South Lake Whatcom Emergency Information and Preparedness Community
This page is for Public Safety and Emergency Information....this is not affiliated with with the Sud
Washington State Officials to Impose Fire Ban Across State Managed Land. Source: Seattle Times
To try to tamp down the risk of new wildfires sparking, Washington state officials will impose a fire ban on Thursday across state-managed lands, prohibiting campfires, charcoal briquettes and prescribed burns, until fall.
08/07/2024
https://youtu.be/ONf4Stba6ms?si=yNYYAC6hPmuon_Do
Wildfire protection tips in WA state Learn more at https://mil.wa.gov/wildfire
12/06/2024
https://share.newsbreak.com/7abt2ohn
FEMA maps show serious risk for earthquakes in Washington state. So, what is a risk map? It's something that FEMA has created. To help the public understand the risks inherent to a specific area where you might live.
11/06/2024
Monday, July 1 through Saturday, Sept. 14, a stage 1 Burn Ban is in effect for Whatcom County. The goal is to reduce the risk of wildfires over the summer, especially with an ongoing drought.
For more information, Monday, July 1 through Saturday, Sept. 14, a stage 1 Burn Ban is in effect for Whatcom County. The goal is to reduce the risk of wildfires over the summer, especially with an ongoing drought.
10/06/2024
Due to a train derailment last night, Portal Way is closed to through traffic from Valley View Rd. to Main St. in Custer. Please use alternate routes around the area.
The posted detour heading south on Portal is:
Valley View Rd. from Portal Way.
R on Arnie Rd. from Valley View Rd.
Arnie Rd. turns into Bruce Rd.
L on Main St from Bruce Rd.
Main St. intersects with Portal Way.
05/06/2024
Update to My Shake Alert system
ShakeAlert® Gets a Boost with GPS Technology | What you need to know ShakeAlert® Earthquake Early Warning gets even better by using GPS technology for better estimation of major earthquakesTo download a copy of the video and r...
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Seattle WA 934 AM PDT Sun Jun 2 2024 .SYNOPSIS...Atmospheric river pattern over Western
Washington today will continue through Tuesday, consisting of two separate waves of heavier rain moving through the area. The first will continue until early Monday morning and the second starting
Monday evening and continuing into Tuesday. This second wave will be weaker than the first. Upper level ridging builds over the area
Wednesday and will remain in place through at least the weekend, bringing dry and much warmer weather to the region.
National Weather Service Short Term Forecast Discussion SHORT TERM /TODAY THROUGH TUESDAY/...Not surprisingly, W WA pretty soaked in with clouds per satellite imagery given the incoming wet system. Radar showing slow and steady eastward progress of the initial front which is currently just a little inland from the coastline...however, there are some patches of prefrontal showers resulting in some light rainfall such as Everett, Port Townsend, Shelton and Port Angeles. The transition to more consistent rainfall still looks to occur in the late morning hours, possibly early afternoon for locations east of the Sound. Forecast continues to be on track, so see no reason for any morning updates. Will reiterate key points for the short term forecast period before engaging in more detailed discussion....Key Messages for Upcoming Active Weather Pattern...
* A late season atmospheric river pattern will develop today and continue with breaks through Tuesday.
* Heavy rainfall amounts of 3 to 5 inches in the mountains, with possible 6 inch event totals over the southern slopes of the Olympics, and 2 to 4 inches along the coast.
* Moderate to heavy rainfall of 1 to 2 inches across the lowlands during this timeframe.
* Snow levels above 6500 feet will promote additional runoff with several area rivers flowing out of the Cascades forecast to enter action or even minor flood stage. A Flood Watch remains in effect across portions of Western Washington.
The front currently moving in is only the first of two systems that are expected throughout this event. Even though the front will pass through W WA and move into E WA by late this afternoon/early this evening, the parent upper level low moves in quickly thereafter, ensuring persistent wet conditions tonight and much of Monday.
Latest deterministic forecasts are having a difficult time showing it, but ensembles clearly suggest perhaps a little bit of a break...or at the very least an easing up of activity...come Monday evening or Monday night, as there is the tiniest of gaps between the exiting low and the next incoming front. That is not to say that the CWA will dry out, but at the very least will see a dip in PoPs for a narrow 6-8 hour window. The next frontal system makes its way into W
WA late Monday night/early Tuesday morning and will continue for much of the day before tapering off Tuesday evening and Tuesday night. Does not appear to be as much QPF with this system as with the first one but this one-two punch of AR-style systems will still merit keeping an eye on hydro concerns...which will be discussed below. Also meriting vigilance will burn scars within the area.
Although not expecting any significant activity there at this time, continued monitoring will be necessary should precip amounts or rates exceed those currently forecast. All of that said, the inherited Flood Watch will remain in place without any alteration.
Along with precip, could see some breezy to locally windy conditions with occasional gusts throughout the short term with each of these frontal passages. Wind speeds do not look to merit any headlines at this time, however this combination of heavy rains and increased winds may allow for isolated instances of either branches or entire trees being felled. Caution is encouraged.
As would be expected, temps will take a bit of a hit today when compared to yesterday, with most locations only getting into the upper 50s to lower 60s. Highs cool even further Monday as most locations will sit in the upper 50s with the occasional spot hitting 60. A warming trend will kick off on Tuesday with highs returning to the lower 60s. Overnight lows will be pretty static, with both nights in the upper 40s to lower 50s...so not much of a diurnal spread expected.
Article from the Bellingham Hearld (online) by Robert Mittendorf
A strong storm headed for Western Washington defines the Northwest colloquialism “Juneuary,” forecasters at the National Weather Service in Seattle said.
An entire June’s worth of rain is possible over three days next week in the Whatcom County lowlands, with heavier rainfall in the Cascade Mountains.
About the only difference between June and January next week will be that temperatures will hover in the low 60s, meteorologist Harrison Rademacher said.
“We typically get these storms in the winter. This is very similar to a winter system,” Rademacher told The Bellingham Herald in an interview.
An atmospheric river will drop 1 to 2 inches of rain in the Whatcom County lowlands from Sunday to Tuesday, Rademacher said. Normal June rainfall is 1.61 inches.
Such storms are sometimes called a “pineapple express” because they carry a huge amount of rain from the South Pacific.
“It’s looking like Sunday night into Monday is so far the best chance for the heaviest rain,” Rademacher said.
This storm will be windy, with a gusty southwest breeze about 20 to 25 mph.
Rivers are expected to rise sharply across much of Western Washington next week, and several will approach flood stage, Rademacher said.
But predictions from the Northwest River Forecast Center show the Nooksack River will remain below flood stage at key locations — including Acme, Nugents Corner, Everson and Ferndale.
22/05/2024
How you can prepare yourself for the Big One With a small chance that a 9.0 earthquake will hit coastal Washington within the next 50 years, here's what you need to know to stay prepared.
02/04/2024
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/wjpK3bWahg39NskH/?mibextid=oFDknk
Snow and ice-covered Mount Baker is the northernmost volcano in the lower 48 states. The most recent major eruption at Mount Baker (6,700 years ago) was accompanied by a major flank-collapse that caused lahars to rush down the Nooksack River and then eastward into Baker Lake.
In 1975-76, Sherman Crater (immediately south of the summit) showed signs of renewed volcanic activity. Scientists measured a ten-fold increase in thermal activity and detected magmatic gases, increasing concern that an eruption could occur. As time passed however, no clear signs of rising magma (earthquakes, significant changes in gas composition or emission rates, or surface deformation) appeared. The activity gradually declined over the following two years. Data suggest that magma likely intruded beneath the volcano in 1975, but it did not have enough energy to erupt. The magma stalled (there was no eruption) and has been cooling ever since. On cold, clear days, you can still see steam plumes rising from the Sherman Crater.
This week, all volcanoes in the Cascade Range of Washington and Oregon are at normal background levels of activity.
Current Volcano Alert Level: NORMAL
Current Aviation Color Code: GREEN
Weekly Update: https://www.usgs.gov/programs/VHP/volcano-updates
Past Week Observations: Earthquakes consistent with background level activity were detected by monitoring stations at Mount Baker, Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Hood during the past week. All monitoring data are consistent with background activity levels in the Cascades Range.
The image was created with the DEM (digital elevation model) of Mount Baker, available at https://www.usgs.gov/index.php/data/high-resolution-digital-elevation-dataset-mt-baker-and-vicinity-washington-based-lidar-surveys
13/03/2024
https://www.bellinghamherald.com/news/local/article286644130.html
These natural disasters pose the biggest risk to Whatcom County, according to FEMA FEMA’s National Risk Index ranks U.S. counties by how vulnerable they are to natural disasters. Here’s what’s at risk in Whatcom County.
Special Weather Statement reased from Whatcom County Emergency Management
Summary: We have another significant system moving through. Residents with boats in marinas should take preemptive actions to secure their vessels. People living on the coast should be prepared for high winds. There are two periods of potential concern, over Saturday morning, then again around midnight Saturday into Sunday. Peak wind gusts may reach 30-40 knots from the southeast.
The National Weather Service has issued a Gale Warning from 0700 Saturday morning through 1100 Sunday. The winds will be southeast winds 20-30 rising to 25-35 knots Saturday afternoon. Wind waves 3-6 feet. Tonight winds will be from the south at 25-35 knots becoming 30-40 knots after midnight. Wind waves 5-7 feet. Sunday the winds will come from the southeast at 25-35 knots easing to 15-25 knots in the afternoon. Wind waves 4-6 feet subsiding to 2-4 feet in the afternoon. Because the winds are predicted to be from the southeast the effects on most of coastal Whatcom County could be impactful. The coastal areas of Whatcom County that should have the strongest winds include Point Roberts, the Lummi Peninsula, Sandy Point, Birch Point and Point Whitehorn.
Environment Canada has issued Gale Warnings for the Strait of Georgia South of Nanaimo for today into Sunday. Winds southeast 30-40 knots late Saturday morning, diminishing to south at 15-25 knots in the afternoon before increasing again to southeast at 25-35 knots. Near midnight winds will increase to southeast at 30-40 knots, diminishing Sunday morning to southeast at 15-25 knots.
Tidal Impact Coastal communities in Whatcom County may see minor impacts from tidal effects as the expected storm surge tide is about 1 foot.
Whatcom County Weather
Our Contracted Weather Service is in line with these wind predictions.
COMMENTS:
1. Boaters should use extra caution in these conditions and vessels in Marinas in Whatcom County should be checked to ensure lines are secure.
2. Loose objects such as lawn furniture and garbage cans should be secured.
furniture and garbage cans should be secured.
3. Drivers and persons on the beaches should always be cautious along low lying coastal roads and beaches particularly in Birch Bay, Blaine, Sandy Point, and Lummi Island.
4. Whatcom County uses the NOAA tide gauge at Cherry Point for the official Whatcom County tide levels, but local tidal levels do vary both in height and timing (Bellingham, Sandy Point, Birch Bay, Blaine and Point Roberts are all slightly different).
Holly Woll-Salkeld
Interim Deputy Director, Duty Officer
Division of Emergency Management
05/03/2024
https://www.facebook.com/share/7BbD7PPXqH42ChMf/?mibextid=oFDknk
Worried about being caught unprepared during the next weather calamity, tsunami or earthquake? In one hour a month, you can buy some buy peace of mind.
In JANUARY, that hour was devoted to setting up a family or workplace communication plan; last month, that hour was spent developing an action plan.
This month, you can spend that time catching up - if you didn't do all you meant to for January and FEBRUARY - because MARCH's tip won't take too long.
Think about how much water you'll need (a gallon per person per day) and make a note to pick up some during your next grocery store run.
Updated NWS Forecast...
Monday
Rain and snow showers, mainly before 4pm. Patchy fog between 7am and 10am. High near 41. South southwest wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Monday Night
A slight chance of rain and snow showers before 7pm, then a slight chance of snow showers between 7pm and 10pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 25. East wind 3 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 42. Wind chill values between 20 and 30. East wind around 5 mph becoming light and variable.
Tuesday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 27. Light east wind.
WIND ADVISORY
URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Seattle WA
150 PM PST Tue Feb 27 2024
WAZ503-506-281200-
/O.NEW.KSEW.WI.Y.0008.240228T1200Z-240229T0300Z/
Western Whatcom County-Western Skagit County-
Including the cities of Bellingham, Mount Vernon, Anacortes,
Sedro-Woolley, and Burlington
150 PM PST Tue Feb 27 2024
..WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM TO 7 PM PST WEDNESDAY...
* WHAT...South winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 45 mph expected.
* WHERE...Western Whatcom County and Western Skagit County.
* WHEN...From 4 AM to 7 PM PST Wednesday.
* IMPACTS...Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree
limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high
profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.
&&
Bellingham Herald
You thought that winter was over for Whatcom County? Not by a long shot
By Robert Mittendorf
A storm sweeping out of Canada this weekend and into early next week will bring heavy snow to the mountains of Western Washington and possibly up to 4 inches of snow in the Whatcom County lowlands toward sea level in Bellingham.
Current forecasts call for snow or a rain/snow mix to start Sunday night and last into early Monday, possibly causing havoc for the morning commute.
Sunday’s storm could be breezy too, according to a National Weather Service online briefing Tuesday afternoon.
Snowfall estimates are between 1 and 4 inches, with about an inch of snow the most likely scenario, the weather service said.
Daytime temperatures Monday are expected to be in the mid-40s, so any snow that does fall likely will melt, the weather service said.
Another round of lowland snow is possible Monday night into Tuesday morning, according to the forecast.
Temperatures are likely to remain unseasonably cool with more precipitation than normal over the next 10 days, according to the long-range forecast for Northwest Washington.
News Story Possible Lowland Snow this weekend
https://share.newsbreak.com/67sehu26
June 1, 2023
WHATCOM COUNTY
Mark Personius, AICP
Planning & Development Services Director
Fire Marshal’s Office
5280 Northwest Drive Curtis Metz
Bellingham, WA 98226-9097
Deputy Fire Marshal
360-778-5900
360-778-5901
WHATCOM COUNTY FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE
NEWS Release
Whatcom County – Due to the warm weather conditions ahead and decreasing fuel moisture levels, the Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s Office will be enacting restrictions on open burning in unincorporated Whatcom County starting at 8:00 AM on Friday, June 9, 2023.
All land clearing and yard debris burning must be discontinued at that time and all issued burn permits are suspended.
Recreational fires will still be allowed with the landowner’s permission.
Recreational fires must meet the following requirements:
• Must only contain seasoned firewood or charcoal
• Must be contained in an enclosure no larger than 3’ X 3’ across, and must be a
minimum 16” high, made of cement blocks, stones, or steel.
• Beach fires (where allowed) can be dug into an 8” deep pit, surrounded by 4” high
enclosure of rocks.
• Fires must be 25’ from structures, timber, and combustible materials.
• A charged garden hose or (2) 5-gallon buckets full of water to be next to the fire.
• A shovel or rake capable of stirring and extinguishing the fire to be on-site.
• Recreational fires are allowed after dark, if attended by someone 16 years or older at all times.
• Fires must be attended until out cold.
• No burning when winds exceed 7 MPH.
Violations of these burn restrictions may result in a minimum $250.00 fine. In addition, if you have a fire that escapes or needs to be extinguished by the fire department, you may be held financially responsible for fire suppression costs, as well as be criminally charged.
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.
If you have any questions on open burning in unincorporated Whatcom County, please contact the Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s Office at 360-778-5900 or visit our website at:
http://www.whatcomcounty.us/FireMarshal.
You must phone the Outdoor Burning
Information Line every time you burn in Whatcom County: 360-778-5903.
Date: June 1, 2023
For Immediate Release
Contact: Jacob Johnson, Fire Inspector
Fire Marshal | Whatcom County, WA - Official Website The Fire Marshal’s Office team works as part of the Building Services Division and in partnership with the Sheriff’s Office and the county fire districts to provide a wide spectrum of fire prevention and building safety services.
23/05/2023
https://www.facebook.com/100064423522157/posts/630633159094129/?mibextid=Nif5oz
Continuing with EMS Week, today we focus on Helmet Safety. No matter what type of helmet you use during your favorite activity, you can use these "DO NOT REMOVE" stickers on your helmet as well as the Emergency Contact cards for EMS. Bystanders will know NOT to remove your helmet in case of an accident until help arrives and emergency responders will know to look for your Emergency Contact information.
If you'd like a card and sticker please contact [email protected]
More on EMS Week:
In 1974, President Gerald Ford authorized EMS Week to celebrate EMS practitioners and the important work they do in our nation's communities. National Emergency Medical Services Week brings together local communities and medical personnel to honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of medicine's frontline. EMS Week is presented by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) in partnership with the National Associations of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT). Together, NAEMT and ACEP lead annual EMS Week activities. These organizations are working to ensure that the important contributions of EMS practitioners in safeguarding the health, safety and well-being of their communities are fully celebrated and recognized.
18/05/2023
https://www.facebook.com/100064423522157/posts/627318749425570/?mibextid=Nif5oz
𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐒: 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐏 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐋𝐄𝐄𝐃
Whatcom County EMS is offering a Free STOP THE BLEED® Course.
Date: July 17, 2023
Location: Garden Room 322 N. Commercial St. Bellingham
Time: 630pm-830pm
Register Here: https://bit.ly/3WiJYCZ
Students: 22 maximum
Face Mask: Optional
Contact: Steve Cohen at [email protected] for information or questions.