MENDOCINO CO., 2/19/26 – Get your kayaks and sandbags at the ready Mendocino County! After a brief break Friday, another strong storm system is expected to move into the region over the weekend, the National Weather Service said.
Forecasters say confidence has increased that a storm system will bring periods of moderate to heavy rain, higher snow levels and strong southerly winds from Saturday through early next week.
Flooding possible late weekend into early next week
Six-day rainfall projections show much of coastal and western Mendocino County could receive 4 to 6 inches of rain through early next week, while inland valleys such as Ukiah are expected to see closer to 3 to 4 inches.
Forecasters say that amount of rain could lead to rapid rises on rivers, streams and creeks, particularly in coastal and higher-elevation areas.
There is currently about a 20% chance the Russian River at Hopland could reach flood stage Sunday evening. The California-Nevada River Forecast Center also shows a 30% to 40% probability of minor river flooding late Monday into Tuesday.
While widespread flooding is not currently forecast, residents in low-lying or flood-prone areas may want to review storm preparations, including clearing drains and having sandbags ready if needed.
High winds are also expected
Wind gusts of 30 to 50 mph are likely across much of the county this weekend, with stronger gusts possible in higher elevations and along the coast.
Strong winds combined with saturated soils could increase the risk of downed trees and power outages.
Residents are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts as the timing and intensity of the system become clearer. Visit http://www.weather.gov for localized weather and http://www.mendoready.gov for emergency readiness tips.