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Flood warnings and advisories remain in effect across Northwest California as a strong atmospheric river continues to bring moderate to heavy rainfall, pushing rivers toward or above flood stage and closing some roadways.
The National Weather Service in Eureka issued a Flood Warning for the Eel River at Fernbridge Tuesday morning, stating the river is expected to rise above flood stage around 9 p.m. tonight and crest at approximately 20.6 feet just after midnight, before falling below flood stage Wednesday morning.
[Infographic courtesy of NWS]
By late afternoon, a separate Flood Warning remained in effect for the Russian River near Hopland, where the river measured 14.18 feet at 2:45 p.m. and was forecast to crest at 16.6 feet this evening — above the 15-foot minor flood stage — before receding after 2 a.m. Wednesday.
The storm has already produced significant rainfall. As of 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, the Weather Service reported a preliminary daily rainfall record of 2.03 inches at Woodley Island in Eureka, breaking the previous February 24 record of 1.76 inches set in 1917. Officials noted the final record total will not be confirmed until after midnight, as additional rainfall is expected.
Across the broader region, rainfall totals from Monday through Tuesday afternoon ranged from 2 to 4 inches from Del Norte County through Northern Mendocino County, with localized higher amounts up to 7.5 inches in parts of southwest Humboldt, southern Trinity, and northern Mendocino counties. Southern Mendocino and Lake counties saw between 0.5 and 1.5 inches.
[Infographic courtesy of NWS]
The Weather Service warned that urban and small stream flooding has already been reported in portions of Humboldt and northern Mendocino counties. Soils are estimated to be 55–70% saturated, increasing runoff and the risk of additional minor flooding, rockslides, and mudslides in steep terrain.
A Flood Watch remains in effect until 10 p.m. Tuesday for much of the region.
Meanwhile, Caltrans District 1 reported that Route 128 is fully closed in Mendocino County from the Highway 1 junction to west of Flynn Creek Road near Navarro due to flooding. Motorists are urged to check QuickMap for updated road conditions before traveling.
Forecasters expect rainfall to taper to showers later this evening, with improving conditions Wednesday. However, lingering low clouds and fog are expected, and unsettled weather could return later this week.
Officials continue to stress a critical safety reminder: Never drive into water of unknown depth. Most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles. Turn Around, Don’t Drown.
This is a developing weather situation, and additional updates will be provided as conditions evolve.
Humboldt County Roads Update 4 p.m.:
The following Humboldt County roads are flooded:
Fernbridge Drive
Berta Road
V street at Highway 255
Old Arcata Road between Graham Road and Jacoby Creek Road
Waddington Road from the address of 2400 to 2504
Port Kenyon Road from Market Street to California Street
Ambrosini Lane to the end of the road
Meridian Road from mile marker .5 to .9
Cannibal Island Road
Elk River Road at mile marker 3.34
Mad River Road at the intersection of Miller Lane and Mad River Road
Shelter Cove Road at Bear Creek
The following Humboldt County roads are closed:
Eel River Drive at Hookton Road
Freshwater Road between Howard Heights and Garfield School
Coffee Creek Road
Meridian Road at mile marker .4 to .9
Wilder Ridge Road at mile marker 6.76 to 7.16
Camp Kimtu Road
Crannell Road, near the intersection of Dows Prairie Road
Stay informed
Humboldt County residents are encouraged to sign up to receive text and email alerts regarding county road conditions, including upcoming projects, road closures and chain requirements. Residents can sign up at HumboldtGov.org/RoadsUpdates
Community members are encouraged to visit Quickmap.dot.ca.gov to check for Caltrans road updates and visit HumboldtGov.org/Roads for updates on county road conditions.
For more information and updates on Humboldt County road projects, follow @HumCoRoads on Facebook or visit the Humboldt County Public Works Roads and Fleet Services Division web page
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