[Update] Afternoon Crashes Add to Day of Hail-Related Collisions Across Eureka Area

Multi-vehicle collision near Humboldt Hill this afternoon. [Photos courtesy of Lynn Eggink]

The afternoon incidents followed several collisions reported earlier in the day during a winter storm that brought bursts of hail, rain, and rapidly changing road conditions across the region.

The first collision in the afternoon cluster was reported around 3:43 p.m. on Highway 101 near Mile Marker 115 south of Stone Lagoon. north of the Humboldt Hill area. According to the California Highway Patrol Traffic Incident Information Page, a single vehicle overturned onto its roof. The driver was able to exit the vehicle, and the incident was later updated to indicate no injuries.

At approximately 4:27 p.m., another crash was reported in McKinleyville on the southbound Highway 101 Murray Road on ramp. Dispatch logs indicate a Honda CR-V rolled over and came to rest about 10 feet off the roadway, possibly striking a fence. The crash was classified as a no-injury collision.

At about 4:41 p.m., CHP responded to a three-vehicle collision on northbound Highway 101 near the Herrick Avenue on-ramp in the Humboldt Hill area. One northbound lane was temporarily closed while tow trucks responded. No injuries were reported.

Another crash followed around 4:44 p.m. near the Highway 101 and Highway 299 interchange north of Eureka after an iPhone crash alert was received. Dispatch logs indicate a collision involving a dark SUV and a white truck, later clarified as a two-vehicle crash. Tow services were requested.

A separate collision was reported in the same vicinity at about 5:06 p.m. on northbound Highway 101 near the westbound Highway 299 connection involving a black Toyota 4Runner. That incident was reported as a no-injury crash.

Collision near Humboldt Hill.

Around 5:12 p.m., a multi-vehicle collision involving an estimated six to eight vehicles was reported on northbound Highway 101 near the Humboldt Hill Road off-ramp. Fire personnel responded and injuries were initially unknown.

Shortly afterward, at approximately 5:18 p.m., a solo-vehicle crash was reported on the State Route 200 east off-ramp to northbound Highway 101 near North Bank Road. A black Lincoln MKX reportedly left the roadway and struck trees. Dispatch logs noted heavy mud on the roadway. No injuries were reported.

The collisions occurred during periods of hail reported across the Eureka area Tuesday afternoon. Even brief bursts of hail can quickly create slick, ice-like conditions on roadways. Even small hailstones can reduce traction and visibility, turning roadways unexpectedly slick.

Drivers are encouraged to slow down during storms, increase following distance, and avoid sudden braking or steering. If hail becomes heavy enough to limit visibility, motorists should safely pull off the roadway when possible — but avoid stopping in traffic lanes.

Officials also remind drivers to watch carefully for emergency vehicles and first responders working collision scenes. Move over when possible and reduce speed when passing incidents on the roadside. Wet pavement, debris, and limited visibility can put responders at additional risk while they assist crash victims and clear roadways.

Taking a few extra minutes to slow down can help prevent additional collisions during rapidly changing weather conditions.

Another significant crash on Highway 299 around 5 p.m. is being reported separately.

Update: Video sent in by Steven Cott –