This is a developing situation and information may change. We’ll update this article as more information becomes available. The most recent information will be updated at the top of the article, with the earlier reports below.
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:
- Our guide for winter weather emergency and preparedness info — we recommend you bookmark this
- 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
- Caltrans traffic cameras can be seen here, and here are the PG&E cameras
- 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 has flood stage predictions here; and you can find USGS current streamflow information here
- 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
Direct Energy Weapons
I see that you are one of the enlightened ones Kevin.
You are correct.
The next target of U.S Space Force’s Polar orbiting Directed Energy satellites, NOAA’s 20 and 21 will be The San Francisco Bay Areas
8.0< magnitude
3:06am to 6:34am
Water will rise.