The National Weather Service in Eureka, California has issued a winter storm warning as heavy mountain snow is predicted to fall during the Christmas holiday weekend.
Starting this afternoon, what the NWS describes as a “cold airmass” is predicted to bring snow to elevations of 2000’ and above. A series of “cold upper-level storm systems” will lower snow levels to potentially 1000’ on Sunday night.
“Heavy snow” is expected above 2000’ with potential accumulations of 24-54 inches. Between 1500’-2000’, there is a potential of 3-6 inches of snowfall.
The NWS warns “travel across mountain roadways and highway passes will subsequently be difficult if not impossible.”
Regions expected to be hit by snowfall include the Northwestern and Northeaster Mendocino County Interior, the Northern and Southern Humboldt County Interior, Northern and Southern Trinity County, Northern Lake County, and the Del Norte County Interior.
For those that must travel, pack “an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency,” the NWS requested.
Some of the roads that could be impacted by this winter storm include:
- Highway 101(Especially the Ridgewood Grade and north to the Humboldt County line)
- State Route 162 (Highway 101-Covelo)
- State Route 20 (Between Fort Bragg and Willits)
- State Route 128 (Southern Mendocino to the Coast)
- State Route 253 (Ukiah-Boonville Road)
- State Route 175 (Hopland to Lake County)
Travelers should utilize the Caltrans Quickmap, an invaluable resource that provides real-time updates on road conditions across the state.
We will be monitoring road conditions through the weekend and updating readers of significant developments.
