Winter Storm Coming Tomorrow and Lasting Until Thursday
The Emerald Triangle faces down this winter’s most significant storm yet this Tuesday to Thursday, with higher elevations expected to receive as much as two feet of snow and gale-force winds making landfall across the North Coast. Matthew Kidwell, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Eureka office, provided an overview of the coming storm.
Kidwell predicted upwards of two feet of snow could accumulate over the coming days. He explained that snow levels would vary across the Emerald Triangle. Trinity County could very likely see snowfall on valley floors. Northern Humboldt County’s snow level is expected to be 1,500 feet elevation, while Southern Humboldt’s snow level will be approximately 2,500 feet.
Facing down potentially two feet of snow, Kidwell said rural areas in Humboldt, Del Norte, and Trinity Counties could see significant impacts, including “power outages, closed road, downed trees, and delayed travel.”
Kidwell said that Mendocino County would not see as low as snow levels, with snow gathering around 1,500-1,800 feet rising quickly to 2,500-3,000 feet.
Kidwell said Mendocino County would experience “some of the heaviest rains of this winter,” predicting 2’’-3’’ off precipitation in the coming days. Along with those rains, Kidwell expects “significant rises in creeks and streams. He said, “rivers are going to rise rapidly, but no flooding is expected.”
Kidwell said that despite the significant rains, Mendocino County’s drought would require multiple winter storms to make up the precipitation deficit. As of right now, Kidwell said Mendocino County has 6.25’’ of rain this season compared to at 30-year-average of 19.75’’. With this sort of deficit, Kidwell said, “it’s going to take a lot of storms to get back to normal.”
For the Humboldt and Mendocino County coasts, Kidwell predicted gusts of over 50 miles per hour along coastal ridges with large waves of 15-20 feet building as gale-force winds sweep over the waters.
As North Bay counties prepare for the potential of debris flows in the wake of this summer’s fires, Kidwell said there is no indication recent Emerald County fires could lead to similar debris flows. Addressing the area of the monstrous August Complex, Kidwell said, “a lot of that area is above the snow level, so there is less concern for debris flows.”
Kidwell did say the weather office is monitoring the LNU and Hennessey Fire areas for the potential for debris flows.
Though impacts from the storm could be significant, Kidwell said the snow “won’t stick around for too long” as temperatures are expected to rise Wednesday.
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The Shelter Cove General Store received gas this morning. Thank you, GS for looking out for us here in the Cove. We know here in this community that you of all are going thru a difficult time with the loss of Tom Machi besides the Machi family and this community.
Dena Meyer, is Tom Machi relatated to Mario Machi. I had Mario as and teacher in elementary school in Miranda, and proudly own one of his signed war books. He was a fantastic gentleman. Thanks.
Ok!! So we have three full days to get sand on the bridges, right?
Those are some real nice cameras! Glad to see folks updating with high res, compared to those crappy images you get from parking lot and retail store cameras.
Snowin in whale gulch 412pm!
Not stickin yet. Hail too.
Snowed last nite then froze the snow, especially on the car.
Friend near alderpoint post office said very little snow there, west side seems colder&snowier so far.
Heard there were lotsa accidents on 299 near arcata in area that is at or near sea level.
If ya wanna live here you gotta be ready with supplies at home and in car. You may have to suddenly alter plans or not be able to drive anywhere for a few days. Or get stuck in town not being able to drive home. Keep extra clothes and toothbrush in car with your emergency kit&blankets.
I like it, its a good reminder we are not in control.
Nature bats last.
Stock up and stay home, getting in accident because you couldnt get it together to prepare is a huge drain on our resources.
If the roads are too icy just stay home.
Exactly right. You drive around these hills, even in good weather, you better have food, water, TP, handlights, blankets for everybody in case you get stuck for a day or two. Small shovel, too. Anything can happen at any time. C-phone is nice on the chance you’ll have reception. Tell someone where you are going or leave a note. Look, I’m just running out the Akismet clock, not trying to be smarmy. Just comes naturally!
The snow in Willits is settling on my bare earth front yard, but nowhere else in sight. A steady settling drift of flakes.