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The original item was published from 11/20/2023 7:49:08 AM to 11/23/2023 8:00:02 AM.

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Sheriff - Emergency Management Daily Briefing

Posted on: November 20, 2023

[ARCHIVED] Monday, November 20, 2023 Emergency Management Daily Briefing for Whatcom County

It looks like a pretty mild week with some rain and sunny patches mixed in. No flooding is expected at this time, but see our flood safety tips below.

Active Incidents

There are currently no active incidents in Whatcom County.

Advisories, Watches and Warnings

There are currently no advisories, watches or warnings in Whatcom County.

July 24 a drought emergency was declared by WA State Dept of Ecology for Whatcom County.

Whatcom County Inland Weather

Dry weather will be continuing into the morning hours on Monday with any fog clearing out early allowing for high clouds to linger through the rest of the afternoon. High clouds will continue into the night on Monday and with an influx of warmer upper level air we will be seeing little to no frost concerns as temperatures will be moderated. We will be seeing dry weather continue into Tuesday morning with increasing cloud coverage into the afternoon hours. With the next system looking to drop more rain showers into the region beginning after 3-4pm. Winds will be a bit breezy out of the south with gusts up to 30-35mph possible. Rain showers will linger into the overnight hours before tapering off around midnight.

Dry weather will then continue through the rest of the work week and into the weekend with the only concern being the potential for freezes most nights starting from Wednesday night and continuing into the weekend. With potential for patchy fog as well with calm conditions aiding patchy frost/freeze concerns.

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

For the Strait and Inland Coastal Waters off Whatcom County today will be winds coming from the east up to 10 knots. Wind waves 1 foot or less. Moving into the evening we will have winds coming from the northeast up to 10 knots, becoming east after midnight. Wind waves 1 foot or less. Tomorrow winds come from the southeast at 5-15 knots becoming 10-20 in the afternoon. Wind waves 1-3 feet. Rain likely in the afternoon. For a look at real-time coastal weather and tides you can link here to the Cherry Point NOAA Tide Station.

Air Quality

Visit the Whatcom County Health Department's Wildfire Smoke for up-to-date information and air quality.

Emergency Management Tips and Reminders

CERT Activities

New CERT classes will begin in 2024. See here for more information.

Flood Safety Tips

Floods are the most common and widespread of all weather-related natural disasters. Flooding is an overflowing of water onto land that is normally dry. Floods can happen during: 

  • heavy rains, 
  • when ocean waves come on shore, 
  • when snow melts quickly, or 
  • when dams or levees break.

Areas located in the Nooksack River floodplain are subject to regular flooding in Whatcom County. Visit Whatcom County River and Flood for more information.

The National Weather Service issues multiple flood notices ahead of possible flooding.

Flood Notice
Action to Take

Flood Advisory

Issued when a forecasted weather event may become a nuisance.

Check local news radio station KGMI AM 790

Monitor Whatcom Ready on Facebook or the website

Be alert to weather conditions

Flood Watch

Issued when conditions are favorable/possible for flooding


Continue the above actions, and be prepared to evacuate quickly if needed.

Flood Warning

Issued when flooding is imminent or is already occurring


Continue the above actions and move to higher ground


Evacuation Levels

Evacuation Level

Action to Take

Level 1-Get Ready

Be aware of potential threat

Monitor Whatcom Ready on Facebook or the website

Prepare to move persons with special needs, pets and livestock

Level 2-Get Set

Move persons with special needs, pets and livestock

Be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice

Level 3-Go

Evacuate immediately. Emergency services may not be able to provide further assistance if you stay.


Turn around, don’t drown! Don’t drive or walk into flooded areas.

The Emergency Management Daily Briefing is produced Monday - Friday unless an update is required for an incident or event over a weekend or during holidays.

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