MENDOCINO CO., 11/18/24 – The rainy season has started in Mendocino County and this week delivers our first atmospheric river of the season. This includes the service declaring a flood watch for the entire county and a storm warning for the Mendocino Coast.  

According to the National Weather Service, an atmospheric river will park itself over the region starting Tuesday, bringing with it heavy rain, gusty winds, and threat of small and urban flooding on Wednesday and Thursday.  

A flood watch is in place for the entire county starting early Wednesday 

The service issued a flood watch for the entire county starting at 4 a.m. Wednesday through 4 a.m. Friday. The storm is forecast to bring four to five inches of rain Thursday and Wednesday, followed by a second wallop of rain on Thursday totaling an additional two to four inches. This could bring the rain totals in the county to nine inches when the atmospheric river exits the area.  

“There will be an increased risk of rock and landslides along roadways,” said the service, “Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas.” 

Will the Russian, Garcia or Navarro River flood? 

As with any major storm, the likelihood of the usual (river) suspects flooding is of concern.

According to the weather service, the Russian River near Hopland and the Navarro River will both stay below flood stage. That doesn’t mean that flooding won’t occur, especially in low lying areas. If necessary, Caltrans will close parts of State Route 175 or 128.  

Regarding the Garcia River, the weather service has not defined the flood stage for the river which often threatens to close a portion of State Route 1 between Point Arena and Manchester. However, past weather service data reports that the river usually floods near 10 feet. This week the waters are forecast to rise to around 7.5 feet.  

Conditions can change, and flooding may occur. As always, drive carefully and never drive through flood waters – turn around, don’t drown.  

Storm warning for the coast 

Mariners take note – a storm warning is in place from 3 p.m. Tuesday to 3 a.m. Wednesday due to “very strong winds.”  

The weather service forecasts southeast winds between 30 to 40 kt. with gusts up to 55 kt possible. Seas are forecast to be 13 to 18 feet. A small craft advisory has also been issued, forecasting southeast winds between 15 to 25 kt. with gusts up to 40 kt. and seas 10 to 14 ft.  

Strong winds “will cause hazardous seas which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility,” said the weather service, “mariners should remain in port, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for severe conditions.” 

Are sandbags available? 

In the past, sandbags have been available at the following locations: 

• Hopland Band of Pomo Indians located at the corner of Hwy 101 and Hwy 175, (707) 472-2100 

• Friedman’s Home Improvement, 1255 Airport Park Blvd., Ukiah, (707) 468-7811 

• Redwood Valley Fire Station, 8481 East Rd., Redwood Valley, (707) 485-8121 

• The Willits Justice Center, 125 E Commercial St., Willits, (707) 459-6122 

• Laytonville Fire Station, 44950 Willits Ave., Laytonville, (707) 984-6055 
  
• CV Starr Center, back of the building, 300 S. Lincoln St., Fort Bragg

Sandbag availability is subject to change. Please call before arriving.  

Other winter weather resources 

• Check your specific forecast at this link along with the National Weather Service advisories and warnings, as well as the weather service’s Facebook page and X page 

• Check the CalTrans QuickMap for current road closures or call 1-800-GAS-ROAD 

• Check for current accidents at the CHP traffic update page 

• Traffic cameras can be seen here 

• You can also check out the Weather Underground to look for weather stations in your area. 

• Check the PG&E current outage map to find or report power outages 

• NWS is seeking snowfall reports, and you can submit them to this website.  

• We recommend meteorologist Daniel Swain’s Weather West Blog as a good place to find more in-depth current weather analysis 

This is a developing situation. Updated information will be published at the top of this article.

3/3/24 11:02 a.m. — The winter weather watches and warnings have expired for Mendocino County.

3/2/24 8:13 a.m. — Big rigs are reporting that snow is beginning to accumulate on State Route 175 between Hopland and Lakeport. Caltrans cameras confirm. In the past, snow has led to traffic collisions, resulting in the closure of the highway. Plan accordingly and avoid travel if possible.

3/2/24 8:06 a.m. — Three car accidents are creating travel delays along U.S. Route 101 in the Longvale area. All three accidents happened within 30 minutes of each other. Caltrans and the National Weather Service recommends avoiding travel if possible and to drive cautiously if travel can’t be avoided. Track state road conditions here.

MENDOCINO Co., 3/2/24 – A winter storm continues to impact Mendocino County. National Weather Service Eureka (NWS Eureka) Winter storm warnings and winter weather watches remain in place for large portions of inland Mendocino County. 

Our team will be reporting on conditions all day and into the evening to ensure you’re informed and can stay safe. Be sure to also connect with us on social media to let us know what you’re seeing. You can find us on Facebook here, Instagram here, and X here.

What to expect today, Saturday, Mar. 2

According to NWS Eureka, snow and rain will occur today, even possibly thunderstorms and hail on the coast. Here’s a brief breakdown of what to expect alphabetically by community. Note, these forecasts are accurate as of 7:30 a.m. and can change. Snow accumulations are more likely at higher elevations. 

• Boonville: Showers all day until around 10 p.m. Patchy fog overnight.
  
• Brooktrails: Snow before 1 p.m., followed by rain showers. After 10 p.m., snow. New snow accumulation could be between 1 to 2 inches.
  
• Covelo: Snow showers in the morning followed by rain and snow showers after 1 p.m. After 7 p.m., snow and patchy fog. In total, 3 to 6 inches of snow accumulation is possible.
  
• Fort Bragg: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm, which could produce small hail. Wind gusts as high as 21 mph. Showers and possible thunderstorms continue into the evening and overnight.
  
• Hopland: Showers all day until around 10 p.m. Patchy fog overnight.

• Laytonville: Snow showers throughout the day. Wind gusts as high as 24 mph. After 5 p.m. rain and snow showers. Accumulation of 3-5 inches if possible, specifically in higher elevations. Tonight, rain and snow showers will transition into all snow after 8 p.m. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches is possible.
  
• Leggett: Snow before 10 a.m. before becoming a rain/snow mix. Tonight, snow showers with some rain will be possible. Little to no accumulation of snow.
  
• Point Arena: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm today. Thunderstorms could bring small hail. Showers continue into the evening overnight, as well as the possibility of thunderstorms and small hail.
  
• Potter Valley: Rain and snow showers in the morning before becoming rain after 1 p.m. Rain continues into the evening before transitioning into a rain and snow mix after 10 p.m.
  
• Redwood Valley: Showers all day and into the evening.
  
• Ukiah: Showers all day until around 10 p.m. Patchy fog overnight.

• Willits: A mix of rain and snow in the morning. After 1 p.m., rain showers. A mix of rain and snow is possible after 10 p.m., along with patchy fog. No snow accumulation. 

Mountain passes could see higher amounts of rain and snow. You can check mountain pass forecasts here. Conditions may vary widely across North Coast microclimates and on your travel routes, so we’ve included a list of useful resources below to keep you updated. You can check for the specific forecast for your neighborhood and on current road conditions as they develop. 

What we woke up to in Mendocino County

Residents are reporting small traces of snow, less than an inch, in Brooktrails and higher elevations in Fort Bragg and Anderson Valley. Some folks in Layontville, including Spyrock Rd., saw a bit heavier snow accumulation at 1 inch. According to NWS Eureka, 8.4 miles east north east of Potter Valley, at an elevation of 2,849 feet, saw 4 inches of snow. 

And despite forecasts for dramatic snow accumulation along the Willits Grade (Ridgewood Summit), drivers woke up to wet road conditions and very little snow on the side of the roads. Regardless, Caltrans maps show snow plows working throughout the county, including along State Route 20 and U.S. 101. 

Despite the lack of snow accumulation along highways overnight, downed trees and power outages continue to impact the county. 

A small portion of State Route 128 was closed between Navarro and Reilly Heights due to multiple downed trees along the road making both lanes impassable. The road reopened just before 7:30 a.m. You can monitor state road conditions here. 

T-Mobile customers in Leggett are reporting an outage that has been in place since Friday. 

What happened on Friday

Yesterday, Friday, Mar. 1, brought numerous vehicle accidents, downed trees and small power outages on the coast and inland. As of this morning, over 1,000 PG&E customers remain without power both inland and on the coast. Power outages can be tracked here. 

In case you missed it, the Leggett Post Office was destroyed in a fire last night, when lightning hit a tree near the building, setting the tree on fire. The fire spread to the post office, destroying it within an hour. The Leggett Valley Mercantile reported no damage. Service disruption updates have yet to be provided by the United States Post Office. 

Regarding rainfall, Ukiah saw a record breaking day on Friday, seeing 1.45 inches of rain, bypassing a 1941 record of 1.37 inches. 

We have a winter weather info guide we recommend you bookmark, and information about FEMA assistance, CalFresh replacements, and other storm aid on our website. 

If you’re interested in an overview of the statewide impacts of these storms from a meteorological perspective, we recommend checking out Daniel Swain of Weather West, who has been sharing information throughout these major weather events.

This is a developing situation. Updated information will be published at the top of this article.

3/1/24 7:00 p.m. — Over 800 PG&E customers in Brooktrails are without power due to downed trees and powerlines throughout the area. No estimated time of restoration has been provided at this time. You can monitor power outages here.

3/1/24 6:20 p.m. — According to scanner traffic, a tree was struck by lightning near the Leggett Post Office, resulting in a fire. Photographs taken by residents show and posted on social media that the entire post office was consumed by the fire. No injuries have been reported at this time.

3/1/24 5:30 p.m. — National Weather Service Eureka (NWS Eureka) has issued a special weather statement for Leggett. NWS Eureka forecasts that a strong thunderstorm will impact the area through 6 p.m. The area may see wind gusts up to 30 mph which could result in downed trees and power lines. Pea-sized hail is possible. If outdoors, seek shelter in a building.

3/1/24 3:31 p.m. — National Weather Service Eureka (NWS Eureka) has issued a special weather statement for Westport, Branscomb and Laytonville. NWS Eureka forecasts that a strong thunderstorm will impact the area through 4 p.m. These areas may see wind gusts up to 30 mph which could result in downed trees and power lines. If outdoors, seek shelter in a building.

3/1/24 2:25 p.m. — The City of Willits released a statement about its preparedness for the storm. City officials participated in a countywide operational area call with the county’s Office of Emergency Services, including every city in the county, county staff, and state and federal officials. 

City crews are actively working throughout the city limits to clear culverts and drains to reduce flooding. Crews will close streets if flooding occurs. Sandbags are available at the Willits Justice Center on E. Commercial. 

“If you see an unsafe situation such as a road blocked by flooding or downed trees, please call City Hall during regular business hours at 707-459-4601 or after hours the Willits Police Dept. at 707-459-6122 or 911 for an emergency.

3/1/24 2:04 p.m. — Supervisor John Haschak, who represents district three, including Laytonville and Leggett, published in a Facebook post that “The County’s Office of Emergency Services is prepared for [the] upcoming snowstorm.” Haschak reports that go bags filled with blankets, battery packs, snacks and water have been delivered to Laytonville residents and that generators are in place in Laytonville and Leggett. The Mendocino County Department of Transportation and Sheriff’s Office have prepositioned snow equipment in the area. Haschak wrapped up the post recommending that it’s “Better to hunker down for the next couple of days.”

3/1/24 1:12 p.m. — National Weather Service Eureka (NWS Eureka) has extended the winter storm warning for southeastern Mendocino County, including Ukiah, Hopland, hat was originally set to expire at 4 a.m. on Sunday, Mar. 3. The warning is now in place from 10 p.m. tonight, Friday, Mar. 1, through 10 a.m. Sunday. The extension is due anticipated snow between 500 and 1,500 feet elevations. NWS Eureka forecasts that 1 to 2 feet of snow is possible on high mountain passes, including State Route 253 west of Ukiah and State Route 175 east of Hopland. Wind gusts up to 55 mph can also be expected on ridges. Lower elevations starting at 1,000 feet may see snow between 5 and 10 inches in some areas. 

NWS Eureka shares that “The strong winds and weight of snow on tree limbs may down power lines and could cause sporadic power outages. Travel could be very difficult. Strong winds could cause extensive damage to trees and power lines.“ You can track weather conditions for mountain passes here. 

Winter storm warnings remain in place for much of the county, including Round Valley and Covelo, and Willits, Laytonville and Leggett.

As of this afternoon, NWS Eureka forecasts the following snow amounts for select mountain passes Friday through Sunday:

• State Route 1, 4 miles west of Leggett: between 5 and 9 inches
  
• U.S. 101 at Rattlesnake Summit in Laytonville: between 8 to 14 inches
  
• State Route 20, 5 miles west of Willits: between 4 and 8 inches
  
• U.S. 101 at Ridgewood Summit/Willits Grade: 3 to 6 inches
  
• State Route 20 at the Mendocino/Lake County border: 3 to 5 inches
  
• State Route 175, 10 miles east of Hopland: between 5 to 11 inches
  
• State Route 253, 10 miles west of Ukiah: 5 to 9 inches

Travel is not recommended Friday evening and Saturday if possible along these roads. If you must travel, mountain pass forecasts are available here. You can find resources on staying safe while traveling during winter weather here.

3/1/24 8:31 a.m. — The National Weather Service Eureka (NWS Eureka) has issued a special weather statement for Leggett and Piercy for wind gusts up to 30 mph. and the possibility of pea sized hail. The service recommends seeking shelter in a sturdy structure to stay safe.

MENDOCINO Co., 3/1/24 – A winter storm has arrived on the North Coast from Alaska, bringing rain and snow. The biggest impact is expected overnight on Friday, Mar. 1 into Saturday, Mar. 2, when snow is forecast for northern Mendocino County and eastern parts of the county. Mendocino County could see 10 or more inches in higher elevations, including along U.S. Route 101. Areas as low as 1,000 feet in elevation are also expected to see heavy snow at times, particularly in northeastern Mendocino County, including Round Valley. Hail is also possible throughout inland Mendocino County Friday and Saturday. 

As a result, National Weather Service Eureka (NWS Eureka) has issued winter storm warnings and winter weather watches for large portions of inland Mendocino County. The storm is expected to bring dangerous road conditions, especially along mountain passes, and possible power outages. NWS Eureka is asking folks to avoid travel, if possible. 

For the first time this season, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) has prepositioned fire personnel in Mendocino County to provide additional emergency response support, if needed. The additional personnel include five engines, a dozer and a loader. 

As of now, there are no major power outages and all major roads and highways are open. If you are planning to travel, please prepare with emergency equipment such as blankets, water and food. If you plan to travel north to Trinity or Del Norte, bring snow chains. You can check your route on the Caltrans Quickmap here.

You can read our prior coverage, which includes a robust forecast and tips on being prepared and staying safe, here. We also have a winter weather info guide we recommend you bookmark, and information about FEMA assistance, CalFresh replacements, and other storm aid on our website. 

If you’re interested in an overview of the statewide impacts of these storms from a meteorological perspective, we recommend checking out Daniel Swain of Weather West, who has been sharing information throughout these major weather events.

Sandbags stations: 

Please note: this will change and depend on each specific weather event

• Hopland Band of Pomo Indians located at the corner of Hwy 101 and Hwy 175
• Friedman’s Home Improvement in Ukiah
• Redwood Valley Fire Station
• The Willits Justice Center located at 125 E Commercial Street in Willits
• Laytonville Fire Station

Mendocino Voice Winter weather resources:

• Check your specific forecast at this link along with the National Weather Service advisories and warnings, as well as their Facebook page and their Twitter page
• Check the CalTrans QuickMap for current road closures or call 1-800-GAS-ROAD
• Check for current accidents at the CHP traffic update page
• Traffic cameras can be seen here
• You can also check out the Weather Underground to look for weather stations in your area.
• Check the PG&E current outage map to find or report power outages
• NWS is seeking snowfall reports, and you can submit them to this website. 
• We recommend meteorologist Daniel Swain’s Weather West Blog as a good place to find more in-depth current weather analysis

This is a developing situation. Updated information will be published at the top of this article.

1/21/24 1:55 p.m. — The flood watch for the Russian River near Hopland has been updated. It is now in effect from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 22.

MENDOCINO Co., 1/21/24 – After a few days of typical wet winter weather, Mendocino County isn’t going to dry out just yet. The National Weather Service Eureka (NWS Eureka) forecasts heavy rain, high winds and an increased potential for flooding starting today, Jan. 21, through Monday, Jan. 22. 

After receiving almost 2 inches of rain in Fort Bragg and 1.5 inches of rain in Laytonville in the past 24 hours, an already saturated Mendocino County is expected to receive 1 to 2.5 inches of additional precipitation. Parts of the county could see 0.5 inches of rain per hour starting late Sunday evening. 

As a result, NWS Eureka has issued a flood watch starting at 8 p.m. tonight through 8 a.m. on Monday for the entire county. According to NWS Eureka, “excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas.”

A flood watch has also been issued for the Russian River near Hopland, which is expected to possibly reach flood stage at 15 feet late Monday morning. As of 10:45 on Sunday, the river was at 7.03 feet. As usual, this may result in parts of State Route 175 being closed, so plan accordingly and “turn around, don’t drown.” You can monitor the Russian River conditions here.

NWS Eureka is also concerned about flooding at the Garcia River between Point Arena and Manchester and the Navarro River. 

In the past twenty-four hours, Cahto Peak saw the highest wind at 58 mph followed by Blosser Lane in Willits at 55 mph. Windy conditions will continue through Monday morning, with southeast winds between 20-30 mph and gusts up to 50 mph expected, especially in higher elevations. 

Already saturated ground and high wind is a recipe for downed trees. High winds can also cause power outages. 

Our team is monitoring conditions and hazards and will update this article at the top with any information that will keep you and your family safe. 

We’re already seeing reports of downed trees and mudslides and although local agencies are prepared for the storm, emergency resources are likely to be stretched thin — if you can avoid travel, please stay off the roads for everyone’s safety.

Check out the links below on how you can be prepared and we also have a winter weather info guide we recommend you bookmark, and information about FEMA assistance, CalFresh replacements, and other storm aid on our website. 

Finally, be sure to bookmark our winter weather information guide. There are additional resources included at the bottom of the article so you can check the exact conditions in your area. Stay safe out there!

Sandbags stations: 

Please note: this will change and depend on each specific weather event

• Hopland Band of Pomo Indians located at the corner of Hwy 101 and Hwy 175
• Friedman’s Home Improvement in Ukiah
• Redwood Valley Fire Station
• The Willits Justice Center located at 125 E Commercial Street in Willits
• Laytonville Fire Station

Mendocino Voice Winter weather resources:

• Check your specific forecast at this link along with the National Weather Service advisories and warnings, as well as their Facebook page and their Twitter page
• Check the CalTrans QuickMap for current road closures or call 1-800-GAS-ROAD
• Check for current accidents at the CHP traffic update page
• Traffic cameras can be seen here
• You can also check out the Weather Underground to look for weather stations in your area.
• Check the PG&E current outage map to find or report power outages
• NWS is seeking snowfall reports, and you can submit them to this website. 
• We recommend meteorologist Daniel Swain’s Weather West Blog as a good place to find more in-depth current weather analysis