Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department Warns of Coming Storm

Winter WEather Conditions Caltrans traffic Cam Hwy 199Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department:

A strong storm system is expected to make landfall this afternoon through Friday. The National Weather Service reports strong, gusty winds of up to 50 mph and heavy rains are expected to begin this afternoon and evening. Coastal hail and heavy mountain snow are expected Thursday and Friday.

With this storm, areas in Humboldt County above 1500 ft. could receive 8 to 18 inches of snow accumulation, with minor snow accumulations possible in areas down to 500 ft. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for elevations above 1500 ft. beginning at 4 a.m. Thursday until 10 a.m. Saturday.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the public to take extra caution when traveling this week during winter weather.

Prior to travel
Check the National Weather Service for current weather forecasts.
Check road conditions and chain requirements. Road conditions can be monitored online at the Caltrans website: http://www.dot.ca.gov/d1/ or by calling 1-800-427-ROAD (7623). Live camera views of several county highways are also available at http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist1/d1tmc/.
No matter what distance you are traveling, consider storing a winter weather emergency kit in your vehicle. This kit should contain a flashlight with extra batteries, blankets, a warm change of clothing, water, snacks, a clean, dry towel, gloves and sand or kitty litter for traction if stuck in snow.
Fill up your gas tank and keep it full during winter weather.
Expect delays and allow enough time to arrive at your destination.
Limit travel, if possible, when road and weather conditions are poor.


During travel

Slow down. Most winter accidents are the result of driving too fast for the conditions. Use low gears to slow your vehicle and avoid using your brakes when possible. While four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive improves traction, it does not help stop the vehicle and should not be relied on for safe travel.
Turn off cruise control when driving in snow or wet road conditions.
Watch for black ice. Ice can form any time the air temperature drops below 40 degrees, especially when it is windy.
If your vehicle begins to slide, do not panic. Slowly take your foot off the gas pedal, do not use your brakes and steer your vehicle in the direction you wish to travel. If you must use brakes, gently pump the brake pedal so the brakes do not lock up.
Avoid driving through deep water. The average vehicle can be swept off the road in 12 inches of moving water. Turn around and find another route.
If you are experiencing trouble with your vehicle or low visibility, never stop in the middle of the road. Find a safe location to stop and address the issue. Always put your flashers on if stopping on the side of the road.
Always carry chains and use them when required. For more information on chain installation and requirements, visit http://www.dot.ca.gov/cttravel/chain-controls.html.
Always wear your seat belt and increase following distances during poor weather.
If experiencing an emergency, call 911.

Also, be sure to have an emergency kit at home in case of storm related power outages. Stock emergency supplies like: water, non-perishable foods, critical medications, pet food and flashlights or battery-powered lanterns.

Facebooktwitterpinterestmail

Join the discussion! For rules visit: https://kymkemp.com/commenting-rules

Comments system how-to: https://wpdiscuz.com/community/postid/10599/

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

11 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Brian
Guest
Brian
6 years ago

Surely, their new snowcat is about to get real busy over the next few weeks.

Shel
Guest
Shel
6 years ago

Great write up and reminder! Check your vehicles, update, top off your fuel. People higher elevations, get too it! You should know the drill and if not, get off the mountain and stay with friends!

Ernestine
Guest
Ernestine
6 years ago

“steer in the direction you wish to travel” idk…I was taught to steer into the skid. Doing so has saved my life twice now. And

Ullr Rover
Guest
Ullr Rover
6 years ago
Reply to  Ernestine

When sliding in snow and ice the only thing that can correct you motion is your tires pulling in the direction you want to go. Point the front tires where you want them to go and hit the gas… get the tires turning.

eel river
Guest
eel river
6 years ago
Reply to  Ullr Rover

i was also taught to steer into the skid. Hmmm?

Ullr Rover
Guest
Ullr Rover
6 years ago
Reply to  eel river

This is based on front wheel drive and 4wd. I lived a lot of years in the Sierra’s… survived a lot of rough driving conditions.

Turning your wheels while sliding in a low friction enviroment doesn’t change your direction of travel. Another vector of force must enter the equation… in this case the turning of the wheels in an intended direction of travel.

Take you rig out into a snowy or icy parking lot and see.

Covelo or busted
Guest
Covelo or busted
6 years ago
Reply to  Ullr Rover

DMV Question…..When driving in ice and snow, and in a serious 4 wheel sideways drift…….ALWAYS?…#1 put it in reverse and hit the throttle?……#2Take another hit off the bottle?……3#Call Jesus collect on your cell phone?

Pishka
Guest
Pishka
6 years ago
Reply to  Ernestine

It if you have front wheel drive you steer in the direction you want to go.

No freaking out
Guest
No freaking out
6 years ago

Lol no! Always steer into the skid ie: turn wheel to agree with the rear end travel, and DON’T BRAKE. it’s the ONLY way to regain control..

“For a rear-wheel or all-wheel skid in which your car starts to spin out of line, “Steer into the skid,” which means steer to the same side the back end of the car is sliding towards….”

John
Guest
John
6 years ago

I grew up driving in Upstate NY, and can tell you steering into the skid is a good way to get yourself into an accident. Steer the direction you wish to travel!

charlie
Guest
charlie
6 years ago
Reply to  John

I haven’t had the misfortune of sliding our front wheel drive car but for rear wheel, 2 wheel drive vehicles it is definitely turn into the slide and feet off both brakes and throttle. And be prepared for some sudden corrections when the tires hit pavement because things will happen fast.