Whatcom County's Division of Emergency Management issued its Monday briefing with two significant updates: a winter storm warning is now in effect for eastern Whatcom County through Tuesday evening, and Washington State is moving toward a federal disaster declaration for the December 2025 floods that caused widespread damage across the region.
The winter storm warning covers eastern Whatcom County from 11 a.m. Monday, April 14, through 11 p.m. Tuesday, April 15. Residents in the mountain communities, including those near the North Cascades Highway corridor and communities east of Bellingham toward the foothills, should plan for winter driving conditions. The Whatcom County Division of Emergency Management is monitoring conditions but has not activated the Emergency Operations Center.
The federal disaster declaration for December 2025's flooding is significant news for Whatcom County property owners, businesses, and local governments that absorbed flood damage costs. Federal disaster declarations open pathways to FEMA individual assistance programs, public assistance grants for local government infrastructure repairs, and hazard mitigation funding. Details on available assistance are expected to be released through Whatcom County Emergency Management and Whatcom County official channels as the declaration process advances.
The December 2025 floods were among the most significant flood events in Whatcom County in recent years. The Nooksack River and several tributary streams overtopped banks and flooded agricultural land in the Sumas Prairie and surrounding farming communities. Infrastructure damage included road washouts, culvert failures, and erosion along river corridors that required emergency repairs.
Whatcom County urges residents to sign up for emergency alerts through WhatcomReady to receive direct notification of weather events, road closures, and evacuation orders. Alerts are available by text, email, or phone call at no cost.
Monday's briefing noted showery conditions across the lowlands through the day. Mt. Baker remains visible on clear-sky days and the county's volcano awareness materials are available for residents interested in understanding the local hazard profile.
Residents in eastern Whatcom County should have winter emergency supplies on hand through at least Tuesday evening, including chains or all-wheel drive capability if travel is necessary, extra food and water, and a plan for potential power disruptions. The Whatcom County website publishes road conditions and closure notices for county-maintained roads throughout weather events.
More information on the federal disaster declaration for the December 2025 floods is expected in coming days. Property owners who documented flood damage from that event should retain their records in the event FEMA assistance programs open application periods.
