{UPDATE: Open] Highway 101 Southbound Closed Just South of Myers Flat After Vehicles Hit Fallen Tree
Southbound Highway 101 is fully closed early this morning near Mile Marker 26.40 just south of Myers Flat in southern Humboldt County after a vehicle struck a tree that had fallen into the roadway, according to the CHP Traffic Incident Information Page.
The collision was first reported around 4:28 a.m. as a solo vehicle traffic collision involving a vehicle and a tree. CHP logs state that another vehicle hit the same tree from the northbound side.
As of about 4:48 a.m., both southbound lanes of Highway 101 remain closed. Northbound traffic is open but reduced to one lane. CHP reports two minor injuries at this time, but an ambulance is requested.
Traffic is expected to be impacted in the area while crews respond. This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Please remember that this story is unfolding. Information is being reported as we gather it. However, some of the information coming from witnesses and initial official reports could be wrong. We will do our best to get the facts but, in the case that something is inaccurate, we will update with correct information as soon as we can.
UPDATE: One lane in each direction is open, according to the CHP Traffic Incident Information Page.
UPDATE 6:30 a.m.: Both Southbound lanes open now, according to the CHP Traffic Incident Information Page. We won’t be updating this further.
Join the discussion! For rules visit: https://kymkemp.com/commenting-rules
Comments system how-to: https://wpdiscuz.com/community/postid/10599/
I’m wondering if CalTrans could use a drone to monitor roads at night for fallen trees and other obstructions in these areas. I use infrared imaging (screen on dash) for night driving and find it very helpful. BTW, I avoid night driving if I can.
Caltrans has crews out day and night in the winter, patrolling the highways. Some of the crews have CBs for truckers, and they’re in communication with the CHP at night .
Wet trees especially redwoods are sometimes not easy to see in the dark. If I have to drive through the redwoods at night, I reduce my speed especially on blind corners so I hopefully can stop in time before hitting the tree. Even big tree branches pose a hazard.
Redwoods have shallow root systems, and atmospheric rivers can make them tipsy. especially when exposed to south winds.
I’ll stick with the pineapple express