[Update] Series of Crashes Reported on Slick Roads Along U.S. 101 and Highway 299 Near Arcata

Screenshot of the Caltrans QuickMap

A string of traffic collisions reported within minutes of each other Tuesday morning, February 17, 2026, slowed traffic along U.S. Highway 101 and State Route 299 near Arcata as wet roadway conditions created slick driving surfaces.

The first incident was reported around 8:13 a.m. north of Giuntoli Lane near the State Route 200 off-ramp on northbound U.S. 101. According to the California Highway Patrol Traffic Incident Information Page, a silver Kia and a silver Tesla collided, with one vehicle ending up in a ditch. The reporting party was believed to still be inside the vehicle, which was reportedly smoking. Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene.

At approximately 8:18 a.m., another collision was reported just south of the original collision, on northbound U.S. 101 near the Giuntoli Lane exit, where a gray Chevrolet Tahoe struck a guardrail and became stuck in gear. Injuries were initially unknown.

About two minutes later, at 8:20 a.m., a separate crash was reported at the U.S. 101 and State Route 299 interchange. Officers requested a traffic break while one vehicle was pushed off the roadway. A tow company was called to assist, and Eureka Police Department officers responded to help with traffic control. Authorities later classified the crash as a no-injury collision.

Around 8:21 a.m., a hit-and-run collision with no reported injuries was logged near the School Road area on southbound U.S. 101 at mile marker 91.20. The incident reportedly involved a gray Toyota and a white truck, with multiple vehicles stopped along the right shoulder.

Crashes were also reported along State Route 299 east of U.S. 101 during the same time period. At approximately 8:21 a.m., a solo-vehicle collision with unknown injuries was reported near the Glendale Drive off-ramp. At about 8:25 a.m., another collision near the same exit involved a vehicle striking a guardrail, with no injuries reported. At approximately 8:29 a.m., emergency responders were dispatched to a collision involving a blue sedan and another vehicle near mile marker 3.5 on State Route 299.

According to QuickMap, traffic along U.S. 101 between School Road and the State Route 299 interchange was heavily impacted Tuesday morning as emergency personnel responded to multiple incidents in the Arcata area.

As we were writing this article, an additional collision was reported south of Eureka near the Humboldt Hill Road off-ramp on northbound U.S. 101 at about 8:41 a.m., according to the California Highway Patrol Traffic Incident Information Page. The crash involved a black SUV and a white Ford Mustang. Both lanes were reportedly blocked, and a black Nissan Rogue was later reported in the center divider. Dispatch logs indicated vehicles may have been on the southbound side of the roadway. The extent of injuries was unknown, and emergency responders were en route.

Because of the number of collisions occurring within a short time, law enforcement officers requested mutual aid from available agencies to assist with response and traffic management.

Drivers are urged to use caution as wet roadway conditions continue across Northern Humboldt.

Information in this report is based on CHP incident logs, scanner traffic, and QuickMap data and may change as more details become available.

UPDATE 10:05 a.m.: Two additional traffic collisions have been reported in Humboldt County as slick roadway conditions continue to create hazardous driving.

Around 9:05 a.m., a solo-vehicle rollover crash was reported on northbound U.S. 101 between the Fields Landing and King Salmon exits, according to the California Highway Patrol Traffic Incident Information Page. Dispatch logs indicate a black Nissan sedan struck a guardrail and overturned, partially blocking the roadway. A tow company was requested, and emergency responders, including Eureka Police Department, responded to the scene. The extent of injuries remains unclear.

At about 9:47 a.m., another collision was reported about one mile east of the Murray Road and Central Avenue intersection near McKinleyville. CHP logs indicate a mail truck went off the roadway, and an additional vehicle stopped to assist. No injuries were reported.

Drivers are advised to slow down and use extra caution as wet roadway conditions continue across Humboldt County.