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