Sever Weather Damage 21-18 Emergency Proclamation by the Governor:  Covers the severe wind and rainstorm event that began on November 12, 2021.  https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/proclamations/21-18%20-%20Severe%20Weather%20Damage%20%28tmp%29.pdf

UPDATES:  

Environment Canada has issued a "Strong Wind Warning" for the Strait of Georgia-South of Nanaimo. Wind northwest 15-25 knots diminishing to northwest 10-15 knots early this afternoon then becoming southeast 5-15 knots later this afternoon.  Wind becoming light Wednesday morning.

SR-20 (North Cascade Highway) is open; however, there are several areas that will need to have emergency repairs this spring/summer/fall.  Traffic control lights are placed at those locations.  Long delays should be expected especially over long weekends and holidays.  In addition to emergency repairs there are areas where normal road maintenance is scheduled along with several culvert replacements for fish passage.  Check WSDOT website for current conditions before traveling.

Overall trend of the river and stream level is lower over the next week. Biggest concern would be the Nooksack River temperature as the snowmelt will keep the river water very cold. Be very careful if planning any activity in the water as hypothermia can occur quickly.   Remember, you can always go to the Public Works website and check the river levels - https://www.whatcomcounty.us/666/Forecasts-Current-River-Conditions.

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

Surface high pressure across the coastal waters  will make way for a surface low moving into the region today. The  surface low will then remain situated across the region through  much of the week.   Winds. Today: S wind 5 to 15 kt becoming SW in the afternoon. Wind  waves 1 to 2 ft. Tonight: W wind 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 1 to 2 ft. A slight  chance of showers in the evening then a chance of showers after  midnight.  Tomorrow: S wind to 10 kt rising to 5 to 15 kt in the afternoon.  Wind waves 1 to 2 ft. A chance of showers.  Tomorrow Night:  S wind 5 to 15 kt becoming NW after midnight. Wind  waves 1 to 2 ft. 

Tide Information

Emergency Management Tips and Reminders

Spring 

With the type of spring we've been having, vegetation has had exceptional growing conditions. The problem will begin to develop when the wet weather begins to subside and temperatures continue to warm up.  As the vegetation dries out, the risk of fire danger begins to increase.  Dry vegetation next to one's home or other building can ignite easily and transfer the fire to the structure.  Likewise, tall grass and bushed that reach into the trees can act as ladder fuels and enable fire to climb into the trees which can then be moved by embers farther and faster. Now is the time to begin removing excess vegetation before it reaches that higher risk category.

Now also is the time when a lot of us are planting flowers and shrubs around our homes and yards. When selecting flowers or shrubs, it is highly recommended that you plant native flowers and shrubs as these types of vegetation naturally grow here.  Plants that are not native may dry out faster, have oils that could produce hotter flames, and ignite faster than native plants.  Firewise is a national program that provides some guidance on how to prepare your home for wildfire.

https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Wildfire/Preparing-homes-for-wildfire

COVID-19

Information concerning face coverings and other protective actions can be found on the Whatcom County Health Department Website.

These Daily Briefings on Incidents, Advisories, Watches and Warnings, current weather and Emergency Management tips are published Monday through Friday, as well as during times of increased awareness or actual events.