This article was updated on Nov. 4 to reflect the latest weather conditions.
MENDOCINO CO., 11/4/25 — A strong atmospheric river is expected to bring rain and gusty winds to Mendocino County beginning late Monday night, with the heaviest impacts forecast from Tuesday night into Wednesday.
The National Weather Service warns of potential urban and small-stream flooding, downed branches and isolated power outages, particularly in coastal and interior hill areas. Periods of rain are likely to continue through Friday before tapering off heading into the weekend.
Flood watch in effect for entire coast, northwestern interior
The weather service has issued a flood watch for the entire Mendocino Coast from late Monday night through Wednesday morning.
Willits, Brooktrails, Laytonville, Leggett and Piercy are also under a flood watch starting noon Wednesday.
Excessive rainfall could lead to flooded rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying areas. While the Navarro River is not expected to rise above flood stage, it could increase rapidly and cause flooding along state Highway 128. Flood-stage data isn’t available for the Garcia River, but drivers are advised to check conditions before traveling. State road updates are available at quickmap.dot.ca.gov.
Windy conditions expected across Mendocino County
In addition to heavy rainfall, high winds will impact the region.
The weather service has issued a wind advisory for the coast from 7 p.m. Tuesday through Wednesday morning. Southerly winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph are possible.
A wind advisory is in effect for Willits, Brooktrails, Laytonville, Leggett, Piercy and Potter Valley from 3 p.m. Tuesday through 3 p.m. Wednesday, with winds of 20 to 30 mph and gusts up to 55 mph expected.
A wind advisory has also been issued for the southeastern interior, including Comptche, Hopland, Anderson Valley, Redwood Valley, Yorkville, Talmage, Calpella, Covelo and Ukiah, from 7 p.m. Tuesday until noon Wednesday. These areas may see winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 60 mph.
High winds could cause downed trees and power lines, resulting in outages. The weather service advises residents to secure or bring inside loose objects — including any inflatable pumpkins still lingering after Halloween.
Hazardous marine conditions, storm warning issued
Dangerous marine conditions are expected along the Mendocino Coast as well.
The weather service warns of gale- to storm-force southerly winds and seas building to 11 to 16 feet Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday morning, creating hazardous conditions for small craft and coastal mariners. A large westerly swell is forecast to follow on Thursday, keeping seas rough before gradually subsiding late in the week.
As a result, a storm watch is in effect from Cape Mendocino to Point Arena from 1 p.m. Tuesday through 7 a.m. Wednesday.
Mendocino County has many microclimates, meaning conditions can change quickly. Track the latest weather updates at weather.gov.