UPDATED 2/19/18 — Readers are reporting to The Mendocino Voice that’s there’s been a dusting of snow in the Little Lake Valley, “probably a half inch at 2500 feet, Highway 162 right above Longvale,” snow in Benbow, Potter Valley, and Brooktrails. Highway 101 is reported to be icy between Laytonville and Willits. The California Highway Patrol is advising motorists on Alderpoint Road carry chains, as well as on Kings Peak Road near Shelter Cove. You can check the current road conditions on the CHP incident page or at the Caltrans Quickmap if you are heading north.
Some roads in Humboldt County and further north require chains or are partially blocked from fallen trees: Redheaded Blackbelt has compiled a list of road closures and possible chains required.
MENDOCINO Co., 2/18/18 — Swap your late January shorts and tanktop for late a February parka, we’re getting a cold snap. Wintry weather is expected beginning Sunday and last through Monday or Tuesday, with freezing temperatures, snow, and high surf possible throughout the region, according to the United States National Weather Service. Most of Mendocino County is under a hazardous weather outlook, and most of Humboldt and Trinity counties are under a winter weather advisory.
Snow levels are expected to reach 1500 feet and snow may accumulate along mountain corridors beginning Sunday afternoon, with up to an inch of accumulation possible. There may be hail beginning Sunday afternoon, primarily in Humboldt and Trinity counties.
Snow falling but not sticking on Blackhawk Drive south of Willits Sunday morning at 2300 feet.
There is a hazardous weather outlook in effect for interior Mendocino County, where temperatures may reach as low as the teens overnight, from Monday through early in the week. Along the coast, a hard freeze watch will be in effect from late Monday night through Tuesday morning, and temperatures may be in the mid to high 20s degrees Fahrenheit.
Drivers are advised to take caution when driving in wintry conditions, and not to slam on your brakes when encountering hail on the roads but instead ease up on the gas. People should take care to protect sensitive outdoor plants and to make sure pets are warm.
High surf along the coast, with breakers between 20 and 23 feet, is predicted beginning Sunday at 7pm through Monday at noon. A gale warning is in effect through Monday afternoon.
You can check the exact weather predictions for your microclimate at the US Weather Service website, and NOAA Eureka is collecting winter weather reports on their Facebook page. The Mendocino Voice received reports of snow falling — but not sticking — on Blackhawk Drive just south of Willits on Sunday morning at around 2200 feet, and snow on Sunday afternoon on Pine Mountain in the Willits area and on Bell Springs Road north of Laytonville. What’s the weather like where you are? Share your photos and we’ll add them to this article.
