MENDOCINO CO., 2/17/26 – Hail pelted parts of the Ukiah Valley, mountain roads turned slick and wind gusts topped 30 mph Tuesday as a winter storm continued to impact Mendocino and Lake counties.
Forecasters warn the most hazardous travel conditions may come overnight and early Wednesday, with additional snow possible above 2,000 feet while a winter storm warning remains in effect through 4 p.m. Wednesday.
Here’s what happened today and here’s what to expect tonight and tomorrow.
What happened today: Rain, wet snow and a dash of hail
Rain, small hail and gusty winds caused scattered impacts across Mendocino County on Tuesday, with several areas picking up around an inch of rain by late afternoon.
Quarter-inch hail was reported by volunteer weather spotters in the Ukiah Valley and higher elevations of Laytonville. Thunderstorms and hail were also recorded along the North Coast, according to the National Weather Service.
In Ukiah, nearly half an inch of rain had fallen by 4 p.m. Tuesday, and wind gusts reached 31 mph. The high temperature was 50 degrees — about 11 degrees below normal.
Elsewhere in the county, about an inch of rain was reported near Willits and Laytonville, while Leggett received just under an inch. Potter Valley recorded about seven-tenths of an inch.
What to expect overnight and Wednesday
The winter storm warning remains in effect through 4 p.m. Wednesday for elevations above 2,000 feet in northern Mendocino and Lake counties. An additional 1 to 3 inches of snow is possible in higher elevations, with up to 4 inches in some areas.
Snow is expected to remain most likely above 2,000 feet, though it could briefly fall as low as 1,500 feet in heavier showers. That keeps higher stretches of Highway 101 north of Ukiah and other mountain roads at risk for slick conditions overnight and into Wednesday.
Travel conditions are expected to remain hazardous overnight, with the greatest impacts likely before sunrise Wednesday and during the morning commute. Bridges and overpasses may become slick after dark.
Gusty winds could continue to bring down tree branches and cause isolated power outages.
NWS has also issued a cold weather advisory until 7 a.m. Wednesday for southeastern Mendocino County and southern Lake County, where overnight lows could drop to 25 degrees.
Showers are expected to ease somewhat Wednesday before another round of rain and low-elevation snow moves through Wednesday night into early Thursday.
Forecasters are also monitoring a warmer storm system that could bring heavy rain and strong winds to the region next weekend.
Travel and power outages possible countywide
Travel conditions are expected to remain difficult overnight and through Wednesday afternoon, particularly on Highway 101 north of Ukiah and other higher-elevation roadways. The greatest impacts are likely before sunrise Wednesday and during the morning commute.
Roads — especially bridges and overpasses — may become slick after dark as temperatures fall and showers continue.
Heavy, wet snow combined with gusty winds could weigh down tree branches and power lines, resulting in downed trees and sporadic power outages.
Showers are expected to ease somewhat Wednesday before another round of rain, snow and small hail moves through Wednesday night into early Thursday.
Forecasters are also monitoring a warmer storm system that could bring heavy rain and strong winds to the region next weekend.
How to stay safe
The National Weather Service, Ready.gov and the American Red Cross recommend avoiding unnecessary travel during heavy snow, slowing down on slick roads and keeping emergency supplies on hand in case of power outages (learn how to stay safe during power outages).
If you must travel, check road conditions before you leave by calling 511 or visiting https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/.
Drivers heading into higher elevations should carry chains and an emergency kit with warm clothing, water and a flashlight. Residents are also urged to dress in layers and limit prolonged exposure to cold, wet conditions.
Remember to check on your pets and livestock in cold weather, ensuring that water sources are not frozen and that pets are not left outside (find tips on how to protect your pets during cold weather).
More winter weather safety tips are available at:
Mendocino County comprises many microclimates, meaning weather can change quickly over short distances. Find your forecast at http://www.weather.gov.
Snow on ground in Lucerne On Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.