Winter Weather Advisory: Possible snow accumulations of up to 1-3 inches

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While we have been experiencing the cold winds from the Fraser Outflow over the last couple days, areas to the south, beginning in Skagit County, are enjoying light snow. In San Juan County a Winter Storm Warning has been issued. Vancouver and the Gulf Islands have a Winter Storm Warning. Here in Whatcom County we do not have a Winter Weather Warning, but a Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for Bellingham, Blaine, Point Roberts, Ferndale, Lynden, Sumas, Sudden Valley and the unincorporated areas. The National Weather Service is saying snow accumulations may reach 1-3 inches beginning overnight through Saturday. Our contracted NW WeatherNet says an average of 3-5” of snow can be expected. The bottom line is it is going to continue to be cold, windy and we are planning for snow.

 

Significant Issues:

                                                                                                                                       

Current Weather Outlook Whatcom County Wide

    1. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Whatcom County with 1-3” of snow forecast through Saturday.
    2. Environment Canada has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Vancouver Metro including White Rock (think Blaine).
    3. Environment Canada has issued an Arctic Outflow Warning for the Fraser Valley (Sumas, Lynden East County) which is causing frigid temperatures and strong outflow winds. Cold arctic outflow winds will continue through Saturday morning though temperatures won't be as cold tonight as it is this morning. Temperatures will continue to moderate this weekend.

Potential Impacts and Timing

      1. There may be multiple areas within Whatcom County that may have snowfall and drivers should exercise extra caution through the weekend beginning overnight tonight.

 

Whatcom County Response:

 

  1. Whatcom County Public Works and Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management  are planning and making preparations and requirements for response.
  2. The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management has raised operations to Level II and notifying agencies and organizations to begin winter storm preparations.
  3. Whatcom County Public Works Maintenance and Operations have started preparations including increased staffing requirements and preparation of equipment if required.
  4. Whatcom County Public Works has launched “When Will Your Road Get Plowed” – (https://www.whatcomcounty.us/589/Snow-and-Ice-Management) where you can learn about Public Works Winter Operations.
  5. Whatcom Transportation Authority have started preparations including increased staffing requirements and preparation of equipment if required.
  6. Whatcom County Public Works Road Closures can be monitored at the Whatcom County Public Works site. (https://www.whatcomcounty.us/952/Road-Closures-Restrictions---Weather-Rel)
  7. Whatcom County Search and Rescue 4x4’s are on stand-by and other Whatcom County volunteer units may be activated based on conditions.
  8. The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management has prepared a Proclamation of Emergency, so that if needed, it is ready to issue.
  9. The Washington State Department Of Transportation has opened the Northwest Region EOC.
  10. The Washington State Military Department Emergency Management Division has issued an Incident Number: 21-0560 February Weather.  All public agencies, including special districts, should be tracking any applicable overtime, emergency expenditures or damages against Incident Number 20-0256 in preparation for requesting public assistance, and to document the cost(s) related to this event. 

 

This briefing will be updated as conditions change.

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