Fatal Traffic Accident on 299 as Resources are Strained Due to Storm Impacts

The Humboldt Division of CHP is reminding residents to stay home if possible due to storm conditions and a strained emergency response team that has been responding to multiple life-safety hazards as well as traffic hazards across the North Coast.

Paul Craft, Public Information Officer for the Humboldt area CHP, spoke with our news partner at KMUD News, Lauren Schmitt, on January 4. Craft told Schmitt that all available officers are currently on duty dealing with the storm impacts. He advised the public to stay off the roadways if at all possible, reporting that there has been a traffic fatality today on Highway 299. Craft believes that weather conditions played a factor in that fatal accident.

For those that must travel, Craft advised motorists to reduce their speeds and be on alert for traffic hazards as several trees have fallen since this morning blocking roadways and taking down power and utility lines. If anyone see any road hazards, they should contact 9-1-1 to report the hazard immediately.

For other matters, Craft advised residents to call the non-emergent dispatch line at 707-268-2000, stating that it has been a busy day for all emergency personnel.

Craft also advised residents that must be on the roadways right now to plan accordingly, packing food, water, blankets, flashlight, and an extra charging device for their cell phone if they are headed in remote areas. Due to emergency personnel being stretched so thin, stranded motorists may have an extended wait time if they are not in immediate danger.

Please stay home if possible, be prepared if you must travel, maintain safe speeds on local roadways, and report any hazard that could cause injury or death to emergency personnel immediately.