Isolated showers are expected to continue tonight, and a wind advisory is in effect for most of Mendocino for Saturday due to “a potent pacific storm system” with strong south winds and possibly an inch of rain. Winds will be between 15 – 30 miles per hour with gusts up to 50 mph in Fort Bragg, Point Arena, Leggett and Willits, according to an alert issued at 3 pm this afternoon.
Much of the north coast is expected to get heavy rains and high winds, but greater impacts are expected throughout Humboldt and Del Norte counties.
The peak winds from Thursday’s storm can be found here.
Residents are advised to secure outdoor items, and prepare for possible minor urban and small stream flooding. Drivers on the 1 and 101 should be cautious, especially those in high profile vehicles.
From the Facebook page of the National Weather Service in Eureka.
Surf will remain higher than average as well with swells between 15 and 19 feet. There are also storm, gale, and small craft warnings from Pt. Saint George to Cape Mendocino. See the latest details on the warnings here here. The map of current advisories can be found here. Residents should keep a safe distance from shore.
Another storm is expected to move through on Sunday and Monday with isolated thunderstorms possible. The area forecast predicts: “Wet and unsettled weather will continue through late Monday, followed by a warming and drying trend Tuesday and beyond.”
Here’s the hydrology forecast, the full prediction discussion can be found here:
Widespread rainfall brought 4 to 8 inches of rain across Del Norte County, with rainfall amounts of 1 to 4 inches common across most of Humboldt, Trinity, and Mendocino counties (locally higher). A stronger storm system will develop tomorrow, sending a cold front south across northwestern California during the day Saturday. Widespread rainfall, some heavy, will develop once again.
Rainfall amounts look to be in the 3 to 6 inch range across Del Norte County, with 2 to 4 inches likely across Humboldt and Trinity counties.
Farther south across Mendocino County, look for 1 to 3 inches of rainfall. Saturated soils and heavy rainfall rates will allow rivers and watersheds to rise sharply, with some minor flooding possible for the smaller creeks and tributaries. Additional rainfall Sunday and Monday may compound these issues.
Here’s an image of from the National Weather Service from rainfall totals from Thursday through Friday, Oct. 14 – 15. Follow them on Facebook for more updates.
Rainfall from Oct 14 – 15 from the National Weather Service.
