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:  

The Whatcom County Fire Marshall issued a Stage 1 Burn Ban for unincorporated Whatcom County effective Saturday, July 16, 2022.  As of that time, all land clearing and yard debris burning was to be discontinued at that time and all issued burn permits are suspended.  Recreational fires will still be allowed with the landowner’s permission but must meet specific requirements (see URL: https://www.whatcomcounty.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3337; or contact the fire marshal's office).  Additionally,   

- If your property lies within Whatcom County Fire Districts (WCFD) 5- Pt. Roberts, 11- Lummi Island, or 17- Sandy Point, you must check with those fire districts for outdoor burning restrictions and to obtain outdoor burning permits (when available).

- If your property lies within, or you are visiting property that is fire protected by Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), or a federal parks or forest agency, you must contact those organizations about outdoor burning restrictions.

ADVISORIES, WATCHES AND WARNINGS:

Environment Canada has issued a "Strong Wing Warning" for the Strait of Georgia-South of Nanaimo. Wind northwest 15-25 knots diminishing to northwest 5-15 knots early this morning then becoming light late this morning.  Wind increasing to southeast 5-15 knots this afternoon and to southeast 15-20 knots 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.

Inland Whatcom County Weather

Today will see some increasing clouds especially north and along the Cascade front.  The chance of rain still exists across the county for later today and tonight but the greater chance will be in the north and frontal range.  There will also be some wind, lighter in the southern part of the county but gusts up to 25 mph in Pt Roberts and around 20mph in Newhalem and the frontal range of the Cascades.  Bellingham will see some southerly wind as well but less than 15 mph.  Lows overnight will drop into the low to mid 50s. Tomorrow will be a little cooler yet with highs around 70 degrees except for Newhalem where there will be some mid to upper 50 degree readings.  Look for sunny skies to return on Friday and thru the weekend with temperatures heading upward.  They won't reach the 90s but Maple Falls and Sumas could see some upper 80s by Sunday.  Other areas of the county will be a few degrees cooler.

Rivers and Streams

Not much happening on the Nooksack River this time of the year.  Most of the water is snowmelt and it is a slow, steady melt keeping the river level right about where it is now.  Be very careful if planning any activity in the water as cold water shock or hypothermia can occur quickly.  Wear a life jacket.  Remember, you can always go to the Public Works website to check the river levels - https://www.whatcomcounty.us/666/Forecasts-Current-River-Conditions.

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

Offshore high pressure with lower pressure inland through  Thursday. A weak system will reach the coastal waters late Wednesday and push across the remaining waters into early  Thursday, with high pressure rebuilding over the coastal waters in its wake. Light flow over the weekend.   Winds. TODAY S wind 10 to 20 kt. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. A slight  chance of rain in the afternoon.  TONIGHT SW wind 10 to 20 kt rising to 15 to 25 kt after  midnight. Wind waves 2 to 4 ft. A chance of rain.  THU SW wind 10 to 20 kt. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. A chance of  rain in the morning. A slight chance of rain in the afternoon.  THU NIGHT S wind 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 2 ft or less.  FRI Light wind becoming NW to 10 kt in the afternoon. Wind  waves 1 ft or less.
 
Winds tonight could reach "Small Craft Advisory" levels. No advisories have been issued yet, but stay tuned to marine weather for the potential advisory to be issued for those winds. 

Tide Information (Cherry Point)

Emergency Management Tips and Reminders

Cars and Hot Temperatures

Every year a number of children and pets perish because they are left in vehicles due to high temperatures.  It is absolutely critical that everyone understand how rapidly a car can heat up.  The following shows the effects after only ten minutes.

At 70 degrees, a car will heat to 89 degrees in ten minutes.

At 75 degrees, a car will heat to 94 degrees in ten minutes

At 80 degrees, a car will heat to 99 degrees in ten minutes

At 85 degrees, a car will heat to 104 degree in ten minutes

At 90 degrees, a car will heat to 109 degrees in ten minutes

At 95 degrees, a car will heat to 114 degrees in ten minutes.

BOTTOM LINE:  Do not leave children or pets in vehicles.

_{Hot weather Safety Precautions from the WA State Department of Health:https://doh.wa.gov/emergencies/be-prepared-be-safe/severe-weather-and-natural-disasters/hot-weather-safety#:~:text=Wear%20a%20wide%2Dbrimmed%20hat,you%20do%20not%20feel%20better.} 

_{Hot weather precautions to reduce the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke}

• Stay indoors and in an air-conditioned environment as much as possible unless you're sure your body has a high tolerance for heat.
• Drink plenty of fluids but avoid beverages that contain alcohol, caffeine or a lot of sugar.
• Eat more frequently but make sure meals are balanced and light.
• Never leave any person or pet in a parked vehicle.
• Avoid dressing babies in heavy clothing or wrapping them in warm blankets.
• Check frequently on people who are elderly, ill or may need help. If you might need help, arrange to have family, friends or neighbors check in with you at least twice a day throughout warm weather periods.
• Make sure pets have plenty of water.
• Salt tablets should only be taken if specified by your doctor. If you are on a salt-restrictive diet, check with a doctor before increasing salt intake.
• If you take prescription diuretics, antihistamines, mood-altering or antispasmodic drugs, check with a doctor about the effects of sun and heat exposure.
• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun. Awnings or louvers can reduce the heat entering a house by as much as 80 percent.

_{If You Go Outside:}

• Plan strenuous outdoor activities for early or late in the day when temperatures are cooler; then gradually build up tolerance for warmer conditions.
• Take frequent breaks when working outdoors.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sun block and light-colored, loose-fitting clothes when outdoors.
• At first signs of heat illness (dizziness, nausea, headaches, muscle cramps), move to a cooler location, rest for a few minutes and slowly drink a cool beverage. Seek medical attention immediately if you do not feel better.
• Avoid sunburn: it slows the skin's ability to cool itself. Use a sunscreen lotion with a high SPF (sun protection factor) rating.
• Avoid extreme temperature changes. A cool shower immediately after coming in from hot temperatures can result in hypothermia, particularly for elderly or very young people.

Wildfire Preparedness

While we have been extremely fortunate concerning the risk for wildfire to date, things could change rapidly with dry, hot weather. Now is the time to inventory your home environment to see what wildfire risks you can mitigate against.  To that extent, the following information was taken from the National Fire Protection Agency on wildfire preparedness. Additional information about the wildfires and the Firewise program can be found at the NFPA website:   https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Wildfire/Preparing-homes-for-wildfire

1. HOME IGNITION ZONES:  To increase your home’s chance of surviving a wildfire, choose fire-resistant building materials and limit the amount of flammable vegetation in the three home ignition zones. The zones include the Immediate Zone: (0 to 5 feet around the house), the Intermediate Zone (5 to 30 feet), and the Extended Zone (30 to 100 feet).

2. LANDSCAPING AND MAINTENANCE:  To reduce ember ignitions and fire spread, trim branches that overhang the home, porch, and deck and prune branches of large trees up to 6 to 10 feet (depending on their height) from the ground. Remove plants containing resins, oils, and waxes. Use crushed stone or gravel instead of flammable mulches in the Immediate Zone (0 to 5 feet around the house). Keep your landscape in good condition.

3. ROOFING AND VENTS:  Class A fire-rated roofing products, such as composite shingles, metal, concrete, and clay tiles, offer the best protection. Inspect shingles or roof tiles and replace or repair those that are loose or missing to prevent ember penetration. Box in eaves, but provide ventilation to prevent condensation and mildew. Roof and attic vents should be screened to prevent ember entry.

4. DECKS AND PORCHES:  Never store flammable materials underneath decks or porches. Remove dead vegetation and debris from under decks and porches and between deck board joints.

5. SIDING AND WINDOWS:  Embers can collect in small nooks and crannies and ignite combustible materials; radiant heat from flames can crack windows. Use fire-resistant siding such as brick, fibercement, plaster, or stucco, and use dual-pane tempered glass windows.

6. EMERGENCY RESPONDER ACCESS:  Ensure your home and neighborhood have legible and clearly marked street names and numbers. Driveways should be at least 12 feet wide with a vertical clearance of 15 feet for emergency vehicle access.

7. FINAL THOUGHTS:  

• Develop, discuss, and practice an emergency action plan with everyone in your home. Include details for handling pets, large animals, and livestock.
• Know two ways out of your neighborhood and have a predesignated meeting place.
• Always evacuate if you feel it’s unsafe to stay—don’t wait to receive an emergency notification if you feel threatened from the fire.
• Conduct an annual insurance policy checkup to adjust for local building costs, codes, and new renovations. n Create or update a home inventory to help settle claims faster.

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.