More winter weather expected to hit North Coast starting Sunday: chance of snow at 1000 ft elevation inland

MENDOCINO Co., 12/12/21 — A round of rain returned to Northern California this weekend, and even more wintry precipitation is forecast to continue through Tuesday as an atmospheric river arrives on the North Coast. The wintry mix of rain and snow is expected to return Sunday evening with snow expected at 3,500 feet, but snow levels are forecast to drop and may reach 1,000 feet or even lower in parts of interior Mendocino and Lake counties, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Eureka.

As of Sunday morning, NWS is anticipating 20% chance of snow in Ukiah and interior Lake County, and up to 60% chance of snow in Laytonville and northern interior parts of Mendocino, which means a number of highways including U.S. Highway 101, and State Route 20 and 175 may be significantly impacted by the winter storm. Significant accumulation is expected on mountain passes to the north of Mendocino County, as well as throughout Northern California — so travelers should make sure to check for chain controls and closed roadways in advance.