Thunder Storm Potential This Afternoon in Eastern Mendocino, Southeastern Trinity, and Lake Counties
“Remember, when dark clouds approach, seek shelter immediately inside a building or a vehicle.”
Fires, Car Crashes, Mudslides and Power Outages: Lightning and Rain Strain Mendocino County First Responders This Afternoon
Fortunately, in many cases, firefighters have reported that fires have “put themselves out” due to the significant moisture brought about by the storm system.
Lightning Strike Causes Vehicle to Plow into Power Pole Near Willits Scales; Multiple Other Crashes Including Head-on Requiring Medevac
The scanner is chaotic right now with multiple incidents associated with the afternoon storm system that brought lightning and rains to the area.
Nocturnal Lightning Flares Across Mendocino County Skies Last Night and More Expected This Afternoon
Mendocino County residents gazed upon illuminated skies late last night as lightning crawled across the lower atmosphere. Doug Boushey, a meteorologist working for the National Weather Office in Eureka for the last 27 years, predicted lightning activity this afternoon could prove more active as the daytime heat rises destabilizing the lower atmosphere.
Elevated Fire Weather Expected Sunday in Mendocino County as Temperatures Soar and Wind Gusts Across Exposed Ridges
“The National Weather Service in Eureka, California has notified the Sheriff’s Office of an Elevated Fire Weather Conditions and Warm Temperatures in Mendocino County.”
Mendocino County’s Higher Elevations Could See Snow Tonight as Winter Weather Descends
The National Weather Service warns of potential hazardous travel conditions affecting Highway 101 with potentially 1-2” of snow near the Laytonville corridor.
7,000 Mendocino County Residents Still Without Power, Says PG&E
“Damage from wind, heavy rains and snow, and access issues due to roads blocked by trees, debris and snow, is most severe in a few location, Willits and the Brooktrails area, for example. We are utilizing snow cats, off-road vehicles and helicopters to aide in the assessment of damage in the areas with the most access issues and damage.”
Mendocino and Humboldt County Some of the Hardest Hit by Power Outages in Recent Storm, Says PG&E
“The hardest-hit areas with the most remaining outages are in the Sacramento and Stockton regions as well as in Humboldt and Mendocino counties. About 16,000 customers in the Bay Area were still being affected by storm outages.”
[UPDATE: Willits to Laytonville Stretch Now Open] Highway 101 in Mendocino County Remains Closed with No Estimated Time of Reopening
“Crews are currently towing vehicles and removing trees. Utility companies are on their way to repair fallen power lines. We appreciate your patience as we work to reopen the highway.”
After a Night of Snarled Traffic and Winter Conditions, the Willits Grade Has Reopened to North and Southbound Traffic
According to the Caltrans Quickmap, as of 6:56 p.m. this morning the Willits Grade portion of Highway 101 has reopened allowing transit between the Ukiah Valley and Willits.