[Update 4:15 p.m.] Another Stormy Day for Travelers: We Go Road by Road to Give You the Latest Info

Snow coats the roadside and travel lanes on U.S. Highway 199 near the Collier Tunnel early this morning, January 5, 2026, as winter conditions bring slick pavement and reduced visibility to the area. [Image from Caltrans traffic camera]

After a stretch of stormy weather, North Coast highways are mostly holding up as the region heads into this morning, January 5. Most major routes across Humboldt, Mendocino, Trinity, and Del Norte counties remain open, though travelers should stay alert for localized hazards tied to flooding and winter conditions at higher elevations.

The National Weather Service reports continued rain today. These conditions could lead to ponding on roadways and also debris. In addition, a Coastal Flood Advisory from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the Humboldt Coast “will bring minor flooding to areas around Humboldt Bay.”

In mountainous areas, winter conditions are creating additional challenges. Snow is falling and accumulating on U.S. Highway 199 near the Collier Tunnel, where the Crescent City CHP report slick roads and reduced visibility. Motorists are urged to slow down and be prepared for winter driving if traveling through the area. Highway 36 in Trinity County has chains required in multiple areas.

Major Highways–Here’s What We Know:

(Most information below is from Caltrans’ Quick Map. If you are heading to Oregon, check their similar site. If you are heading to Nevada, check their similar site.)

• • Interstate 5: Snowy
    

    Caltrans Traffic Cam

  • Hwy 1: Open 
  • Hwy 3: Open
  • Hwy 20: Open
  • Hwy 36: Closed West of Bridgeville and Chains required on and off from the Mad River (Ruth Road) to 5 miles west of Platina.
  • Hwy 96: Open
  • Hwy 101: Open
  • HWY 128: FULLY CLOSED in Mendocino County from the Route 1 junction to west of Flynn Creek Road near Navarro (post miles 0-12) due to flooding.
  • HWY 162 (Covelo Road): Open
  • Hwy 169 (Klamath): Open
  • HWY 175: Route 175 is FULLY CLOSED at Hopland (PM 0-0.7) in Mendocino County due to flooding. There is no expected time to be reopened. (Hwy 101 intersection, and east .7 miles)
  • Hwy 199: Open but snowy
    

    Highway 199 north of the Collier Tunnel

  • Hwy 211: Open
  • Hwy 254 (Avenue of the Giants): Full Closure from 0.1 mi S of Holmes Flat Rd to 150 ft N of Barkdull Rd. Otherwise open.
  • Hwy 255: Open watch for flooding.
  • Hwy 271: Open
  • Hwy 299: Open.

County Roads: Travelers should continue to watch for localized flooding, slides, and downed debris on county roads, particularly in rural and mountainous areas. Updates are ongoing as conditions change.

Humboldt County Roads as of Monday, Jan. 5:

The following Humboldt County roads are flooded:

• • Berta Road
  • Vance Avenue between Highway 255 and Cookhouse Road
  • Cannibal Road (Cannibal Island) at the intersection of Cock Robin Island Road and to the beach
  • Camp Weott Road
  • Ambrosini Lane
  • Mad River Road two miles northwest of Miller Lane (Tye City)

The following Humboldt County roads are closed:

• • Jackson Ranch Road .40 miles north of Samoa Boulevard
  • Lanphere Road at mile marker 2.30, near the intersection Seidel Road
  • King Salmon Avenue
  • Halibut Street
  • Perch Street
  • Crab Street
  • Sole Street
  • Herring Street
  • Cod Street
  • Buhne Drive
  • Meridian Road at mile marker .5 to .9
  • Coffee Creek Road at mile marker 1.00 to 1.25

Trinity County Roads: No information at this time.

Mendocino County Roads: No information at this time.

Lake County Roads:

January 5, 2026, 2:30 P.M.
Lake Level 5.75 ft. as of 2:15 P.M.

Information underlined denotes changed from the prior Road Conditions Report

• • CLEARLAKE OAKS
    Mesa Drive: Closed to all traffic from Stubbs Road to 1000 feet up from Lakeview Dr. due to landslide.
  • HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE
    Spruce Grove Road Ext: Closed near USS Liberty Lane (Quarry Road) due to road slipout.
  • KELSEYVILLE
    Bell Hill Road: Bell Hill Low Water Crossing is closed to all traffic due to water over the roadway.
  • LAKEPORT
    Scotts Valley Road: Scotts Valley Road is closed from Hendricks Road/Eickhoff Rd back towards Lakeport to the straight stretch (English Lane).
  • Soda Bay Road: Roadway flooding between Big Valley Road and S. Main Street. Flooded signs are up. Vehicles are advised to proceed with caution. Low sitting vehicles are not recommended. This may change to a full closure.
  • MIDDLETOWN
    Dry Creek Cutoff Road: Seasonal road closure at the low water crossing
  • Socrates Mine Road: Socrates Mine Road is down to 1 lane at MPM 2.4 (below Lincoln Rock) due to a slipout. K-rail and stop signs are being installed today. This will be a long term lane closure

Tips for Travel: Please note that if you worry about getting stuck while traveling in winter weather, an inexpensive heater can be fashioned from a tin and tea candles. The whole heating device takes up very little space.

Consumer Affairs magazine describes how the kit works and why you should use it. They say,

If you’re trapped in your car, running the engine to generate heat is a bad idea for two reasons: one, even starting with a full tank you’ll run out of gas in a few hours, thus leaving you unable to move even when the road eventually clears; and two, if falling or drifting snow or ice blocks your car’s exhaust pipe, you and everyone else in the passenger compartment can quickly die of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Fortunately, it’s easy to make heat without running the engine, and you can put together an emergency automotive heating kit for less than $5. You only need four items: a large-ish metal can with a removable lid, a supply of metal-cup “tea light” candles, some matches, and waterproof resealable sandwich or freezer bags to hold the candles and matches inside the metal can.

(See here for a complete description on how to create this kit to carry with you.)