Rain showers today and breezy, with high winds beginning late this afternoon through tonight Help prevent localized flooding by clearing drains. See below for flood safety tips.
Active Incident
There are currently no active incidents in Whatcom County.
Advisories, Watches and Warnings
Updated 10:35 am 11/12/24: Cancelled: There is a winter storm advisory for eastern Whatcom County above 4,000 feet from 3:45 am through 4 pm 11/12/24. See here for more information.
Updated 10:35 am 11/12/24: There is a winter storm warning for eastern Whatcom County above 4, 000 feet from 4 pm 11/12/24 through 4 pm 11/14/24. See here for more information.
There is a gale warning for the Northern Inland Waters of Whatcom County from 4 pm 11/12/24 through 4 am 11/13/24. See here for more information.
Updated 4:05 pm 11/12/24: There is high wind warning for western Whatcom County from now until 8 am 11/13/24. See here for more information.
Visit WhatcomReady.org for updates.
April 16 a drought emergency was declared by WA State Dept of Ecology for Whatcom County. The U.S. Drought Monitor provided by NOAA indicates western Whatcom County is no longer considered in a drought, but eastern Whatcom County is still abnormally dry.
Whatcom County Inland Weather
Occasional, off/on rain showers are expected through Tuesday morning keeping conditions fairly damp until showers taper off around 12-1pm. Conditions then likely remain dry for a few hours Tuesday afternoon before rain chances increase late Tuesday afternoon as a system moves into the region. Expect periods of steady rainfall to develop by 5-6pm with steady rainfall (moderate at times) expected Tuesday night and into Wednesday before rain breaks into showers by late morning. Occasional, off/on rain showers then linger through the rest of Wednesday.
Main concerns through the forecast period will be possible ponding of water on roadways Tuesday night and Wednesday morning under any period of moderate rainfall. Localized street flooding can't be ruled out, though it appears to only be a concern in areas of poor drainage. Additionally, gusty winds are anticipated beginning late Tuesday afternoon or early Tuesday evening with southeast gusts around 35-50mph likely Tuesday night (strongest along and west of I-5) with gusts around 35-45mph persisting through Wednesday.
Occasional, off and on showers and gusty winds linger through Wednesday night and into Thursday with winds dying down Thursday morning. Off/on light rain showers, meanwhile, continue through the rest of Thursday, Thursday night, and into Friday before conditions dry out Friday afternoon. Holds dry Friday night before another round of rain arrives over the weekend.
Whatcom County Coastal Weather
For the Strait and Inland Coastal Waters of Whatcom County today will have winds from the south at 10-15 knots, backing to southeast early this afternoon, rising to 20-25 knots with gusts up to 35 knots late. Wind waves around 2 feet or less. A chance of showers until late afternoon, then showers late. Moving into the evening we will have winds from the southeast at 25-35 knots with gusts up t 50 knots. Wind waves 3-5 feet. Rain. Tomorrow will have winds from the southeast at 25-30 knots, easing to 15-20 knots in the afternoon. Wind waves 3-5 feet. Rain. 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
CERT classes are ongoing. See here for more information and to sign up.
Preparedness Tips
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 Monitor WhatcomReady.org Be alert to weather conditions |
Flood Watch Issued when conditions are favorable/possible for flooding | Check local news Be alert to weather conditions Be prepared to evacuate quickly if needed |
Flood Warning Issued when flooding is imminent or is already occurring | Move to higher ground Check local news and media for emergency info, including evacuation notices |
Evacuation Levels
Evacuation Level | Action to Take |
Level 1-Get Ready | Be aware of potential threat Monitor WhatcomReady.org 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.
