Winter storm to bring snow, rain and hazardous travel to Mendocino County

Graphic from the National Weather Service in Eureka, California, warning of a major winter storm expected from 10 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17. A map shows forecast snow totals across Northern California, with the heaviest amounts in higher elevations of Del Norte, Humboldt and Trinity counties above 2,000 feet, and Mendocino and Lake counties above 2,500 feet. The graphic warns that travel over highway passes could be very difficult to impossible, with possible downed trees, power outages and chain requirements, and advises carrying chains, blankets and food if travel is necessary.

MENDOCINO CO., 2/15/26 – A winter storm watch previously issued for interior Mendocino County has been replaced with a winter weather advisory as the National Weather Service refines snow levels and timing for a major winter storm expected Monday night through Wednesday.

A watch means conditions indicate significant winter weather, but timing and impacts remain uncertain. An advisory is issued when hazardous winter conditions are expected, though impacts are typically less severe than those required for a winter storm warning.