The atmospheric river is here and Mendocino County is caught in the crosshairs. Major arteries are closed, low-lying areas are inundated, and hazardous conditions are reported across the county.
We’ll be providing continual updates of major flooding and roadway hazards as they occur. If you have photographs or information, email matthewplafever@gmail.com or text (707)560-1543.
Ukiah
Ukiah Multiple roadways in or near Ukiah are being impacted by the rising waters.
The area of East Perkins Street and Vichy Springs Road near Burger is flooded over and crews are working to install signage for a closure.
Another area of Vichy Springs Road is becoming inundated with water near the intersection with Watson Road where there are reportedly a line of cars stuck in the flood waters.
There are also reports of significant flooding near the intersection of Babcock and Talmage Road.
UPDATE 9:07 p.m.
Hard Road Closures at:
Perkins St – Ukiah, traffic control managed by City of Ukiah, no ETA for reopening.
Talmage – Ukiah area, traffic control managed by CHP, no ETA for reopening.
State Route 128
State Route 128 is reportedly flooding east of Paul Dimmick Campground as of 7:46 p.m. but an official move to close the roadway has not been confirmed.
UPDATE 8:48 p.m.: A vehicle is reportedly stuck in flood waters six miles east of the Navarro Bridge. Caltrans is en route to assess the roadway.
UPDATE 9:03 a.m.: State Route 128 is officially being shut down.
State Route 162
The California Highway Patrol Traffic Incident Information page indicates State Route 162, known locally as Covelo Road, has closed due to flooding with estimates of reopening tomorrow around 7:00 a.m.
Highway 101
The major north/south corridor remains open but drivers be aware that the #2 lane of the northbound lane as the base of the Willits Grade is closed.
Willits
Willits has experienced significant flooding in low-lying areas of town. Willits Police Department provided this list of known street closures as of 3:30 p.m.:
- Eastbound E Valley Rd @ City Limit (600 block E Valley)
- Walnut St between Locust St & Poplar Ave
- E Commercial St & Lenore Ave
- E Barbara Ln bridge @ Railroad Ave
UPDATE 9:09 p.m.:
The Willits Police Department updated announced that the following two closure areas have now opened:
- East & Westbound Commercial St
- Lenore Ave & Creekside Dr/Ct
Creekside Cabins
The Creekside Cabins, a housing and RV development north of Willits along Highway 101, is at risk of being cut off after the road connecting it to Highway 101 was crompromised due to flooding. Earlier this afternoon a driver stopped along the northbound side of the roadway when a sinkhole took the vehicle. Currently, the northbound lane of the road is closed at this point but there are concerns the roadway could be completely washed out.
UPDATE: See our deeper coverage of this flood event here:
Mendocino National Forest Road M10
The following statement was issued by the Mendocino National Forest:
The M10 Road above Fouts Campground remains impassible due to a debris flow covering the road with rocks, mud and water. With more rain in the forecast, the road is expected to remain closed until there is a period of dry weather
Moss Cove Rest Area
The following statement was issued by Caltrans District 1:
The Moss Cove Rest Area, on U.S. 101 south of Laytonville, is closed due to flooding. There is no estimated time when the rest area will reopen.
Make sure to check the Caltrans Quickmap before travel to see if there are any major roadway hazards or flooding you’ll encounter.
