MENDOCINO CO. 1/5/25 – Rain continues across Mendocino County on Monday with the National Weather Service warning of ongoing flooding risks on rivers, creeks and roadways, especially inland and southern parts of the county.
As of Monday afternoon, road closures, downed trees, rock slides and vehicle collisons have been reported across the county.
Here’s the latest:
Road closures started Monday afternoon as flooding begins
Caltrans reported that it closed state Highway 128 from its junction with state Highway 1 to just west of Navarro as the Navarro River begins flooding the roadway. No time of reopening has been announced.
A flood watch remains in effect for the Navarro River, which is likely to hit its flood stage of 23 feet around 4 p.m. Monday night.
Caltrans also closed Highway 175 in Hopland as the Russian River began to overflow onto the road and farmland.
The National Weather Prediction Service reports that the river reached flood stage of 15 feet at 1:15 p.m, almost two hours earlier than originally forecast.
The California Highway Patrol reported Monday afternoon that Babcock Lane near Talmage Road may be closed due to Russian River flooding.
More rain expected on Monday
A cold and unstable storm system will bring periods of heavy rain, gusty winds and a small chance of isolated thunderstorms to the county.
The weather service forecasts an additional 1.5 to 3 inches of rain will fall Monday, with rain amounts exceeding 0.3 inches per hour at times, increasing the chance of flooding low-lying areas adjacent to creeks and streams, and poor drainage areas, especially in Ukiah and Willits.
Southerly winds will bring gusts of 25 to 35 mph to the county, especially higher elevations and coastal headlands, and during heavy showers.
Light rain continues mid-week
Rain is expected to taper off late Monday night into Tuesday, bringing a brief break from the wet weather.
A weaker system is expected to bring light rain Tuesday and Wednesday, with colder temperatures and a dusting of snow possible in high elevation parts of north county.
Stay alert and weather ready
Residents in flood-prone areas are urged to monitor forecasts closely, sign up for emergency alerts at mendoready.org, know their evacuation zone and be prepared to act should flooding occur. Information about local sandbag stations is available here.
“Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles,” NWS said. “Move to higher ground now. Act quickly to protect your life.”
As always, Mendocino County comprises numerous microclimates, resulting in diverse weather forecasts. More information about localized weather can be found at weather.gov.