Whatcom Word, the word of Whatcom
- by City of BellinghamHannegan Road will reopen December 24-28 before additional repair work resumes
- by City of BellinghamNew Year’s festivities, the latest on road closures, a winter reading challenge, and more: A news update from the City of Bellingham.
- by City of BellinghamFlooding update, indoor recreation survey, big housing news, and more: A news update from the City of Bellingham.
- by City of BellinghamEssence of Bellingham Photo Competition winners, the future of indoor recreation, holiday cheer, and more: A news roundup from the City of Bellingham
- by City of BellinghamThe temporary day shelter will open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. following a nighttime activation of the County-run Severe Weather Shelter.
- by City of BellinghamFree trees, waterfront cleanup efforts, holiday closures, and more: A news roundup from the City of Bellingham
- by City of BellinghamBusinesses that are open to the public are invited to apply.
- by City of BellinghamParks and Recreation open houses, good salmon news, construction updates, and more: A news update from the City of Bellingham
- by City of BellinghamNew accessible playground at Bloedel Donovan, Post Point investments, mobile medical services downtown, Lake Whatcom forest survey, and more: A news update from the City of Bellingham
- by City of BellinghamBellingham's 20-year plan, free museum events, federal shutdown resources, and more: A news update from the City of Bellingham.
- We will likely see rain beginning this afternoon and continuing through the weekend with some wind as well. If you have had damage due to the December flood, individuals, businesses and public entities, please fill out a damage assessment through DEM.
- This page lists Whatcom County's flood-related road closures and restrictions (County roads). Please note that conditions can change rapidly, and there may be a delay between when a road is closed and when staff can update this list.
- Happy New Year! Clear and cool, likely freezing overnight, is expected through Wednesday night. Clouds move in New Years Day with rain likely overnight. If you have had damage due to the flood please fill out a damage assessment through DEM.
- The state-coordinated Disaster Assistance Center (DAC) returns to Whatcom County to help those impacted by flooding. The DAC will be in the Nooksack Valley Middle School Commons at 404 W Columbia St, Nooksack on Saturday, Dec. 27, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- The Whatcom County Emergency Operations Center is filled with gratitude for the many businesses, nonprofits, and individuals who donated time, money, and equipment to support the flood response. Our hearts are with all those impacted by the floods.
- Insurance Commissioner's staff at Disaster Assistance Center tomorrow to help with insurance claims and policy questions.
- The Bellingham Severe Weather Shelter at 925 N. Forest Street will extend its operating period due to colder-than-expected temperatures forecasted for the weekend. Saturday night Dec. 27 has been added to the current activation.
- The Bellingham Severe Weather Shelter at 925 N. Forest Street and the Ferndale Severe Weather Shelter at 2034 Washington Street are extending their operating periods due to colder-than-expected temperature forecasts.
- Friday, 12/19 Flood Update: Volunteer at Saturday Cleanup Event, Debris Site Hours Changed, and MoreVolunteers still sought for a major community clean-up of flood damage on Saturday, Dec. 20. Those willing to help muck out debris, tear out damaged material from homes and buildings, or do general debris removal are needed in Sumas and Everson.
- The Whatcom Chief will refuel one day earlier than usual this week, on Wednesday, December 24, due to the Christmas holiday. Please plan ahead.
- Thank you for those who participated with the Birch Bay Incorporation Feasibility Study! The final report is now available!
- Bellingham and Ferndale Severe Weather Shelters Opening Overnight on Wednesday 12/24, Thursday 12/25The Bellingham Severe Weather Shelter at 925 N. Forest Street, and the Ferndale Severe Weather Shelter at 2034 Washington Street will open overnight on Wednesday and Thursday nights, Dec. 24 and 25.
- Visit our website to access the most current fecal bacteria water quality monitoring results.
- Multi-ride punch card exchanges can only be completed in person at scheduled exchange events. For more information, please get in touch with the Ferry Division at [email protected].
- Do not run your furnace, ductwork, or HVAC system if floodwater got inside them or the system was underwater. Water in ductwork can grow mold and floodwater can include sewage. If you use a dirty HVAC system it can make you sick. Here are cleaning tips.
- Washington State, working with all affected counties, has collected data on people impacted by flooding and will submit this to FEMA in a request for a Federal Disaster Declaration. Right now (12/19/25) we do not have a Federal Disaster Declaration.
- UPDATE: The Whatcom Chief is back in service as of 5:40 p.m on Thursday, December 18. Thank you for your patience.
- Event date: January 15, 2026 Event Time: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PMLocation: Whatcom County, WA 98225
- Event date: January 6, 2026 Event Time: 04:00 PM – 06:00 PMLocation: 5280 Northwest DrivePortable BuildingBellingham, WA 98226
- Event date: January 15, 2026 Event Time: 02:00 PM – 04:00 PMLocation: Whatcom County, WA 98225
- Event date: January 13, 2026 Event Time: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PMLocation: Whatcom County, WA 98225
- Event date: January 12, 2026 Event Time: 09:00 AM – 11:00 AMLocation: Whatcom County, WA 98225
- Event date: January 8, 2026 Event Time: 02:30 PM – 03:30 PMLocation: Whatcom County, WA 98225
- Event date: January 9, 2026 Event Time: 08:00 AM – 08:30 AMLocation: 311 Grand Ave Suite 103Bellingham, WA 98225
- Event date: January 7, 2026 Event Time: 05:40 AM – 02:40 PMLocation: Whatcom County, WA 98225
- Event date: January 16, 2026 Event Time: 10:00 AM – 03:00 PMLocation: Whatcom County, WA 98225
- Event date: January 12, 2026 Event Time: 03:00 PM – 11:59 PMLocation: 311 Grand Ave1st FloorBellingham, WA 98225Description:
- Event date: January 7, 2026 Event Time: 12:00 AM – 11:59 PMLocation: Whatcom County, WA 98225
- Event date: January 12, 2026 Event Time: 03:00 PM – 04:30 PMLocation: 322 N. Commercial StGarden Level Conference RoomBellingham, WA 98225Description:Open Public Meeting of the Behavioral Health Advisory Committee
- Event date: January 8, 2026 Event Time: 07:00 AM – 08:30 AMLocation: 509 Girard StreetBellingham, WA 98225Description:Open Public Meeting of the Public Health Advisory Board
- Event date: January 13, 2026 Event Time: 12:00 AM – 11:59 PMLocation: 311 Grand Ave1st FloorBellingham, WA 98225
- Event date: January 14, 2026 Event Time: 02:00 PM – 04:00 PMLocation: 5280 Northwest DrivePortable BuildingBellingham, WA 98226Description:The Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC) provides review and recommendations to the Whatcom County Council on issues that affect agriculture. The AAC also provides a forum for farmers and others interested in enhancing and promoting the long-term viability of […]