The first atmospheric river of the season is barreling toward Mendocino County, promising heavy rain, fierce winds, and potential flooding. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Mendocino Coast and a Flood Watch countywide, effective from Wednesday morning through Friday.
What to Expect
This powerful storm will bring relentless rain and hazardous conditions:
- Rainfall: Up to 9 inches in some areas by Friday, with 4–5 inches expected between Wednesday and Thursday.
- Winds: Gusts up to 50 mph will make securing outdoor items critical.
- Flooding: Watch for rising creeks, swamped streets, and possible landslides.
The NWS warns, “Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas.”
Rivers in the Spotlight
- Russian River: Expected to stay below flood stage near Hopland, but low-lying areas are still at risk.
- Navarro River: Forecast to remain manageable, though State Routes 128 and 175 could see closures if water levels rise.
- Garcia River: Projected to peak at 7.5 feet, below the usual flood stage of 10 feet, but conditions could change.
Stay Ready, Stay Safe
Here’s how to prepare for the storm:
- Stock Up: Pack emergency kits with flashlights, food, water, and batteries.
- Storm-Proof Your Home: Clear gutters and secure outdoor items.
- Stay Alert: Follow weather updates and sign up for MendoReady alerts.
- Avoid Trouble: Never drive through floodwaters. “Turn around, don’t drown.”
Fort Bragg Gears Up
City crews are clearing storm drains, inspecting infrastructure, and coordinating with utility providers to respond to outages. Resources include:
- Sandbags: Pick them up at the CV Starr Center (300 S. Lincoln Street). Bring your own shovel.
- Charging Stations: Available at City Hall (416 N. Franklin St.) and the Police Department (250 Cypress St.) during outages.
- Emergency Shelter: Locations will be announced if needed.
What’s Next?
With the storm set to hit hard, conditions could deteriorate quickly. Stay informed through the City of Fort Bragg website and social media.
This atmospheric river is no small storm. Prepare now to stay safe and weather the deluge.
A big storm is comming. Rejoice.
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