Ukiah, California – Drivers along Highway 101 north of Ukiah could encounter snow-covered pavement by Tuesday morning as a developing winter storm threatens up to a foot of accumulation in the higher terrain of Lake and Mendocino counties.
According to the National Weather Service in Eureka, a Winter Storm Watch remains in effect from Monday evening through Wednesday morning for elevations above 2,500 feet across Northern Mendocino Interior and Lake County.
Forecasters say up to 12 inches of snow is possible in communities such as Cobb and areas near Knobcone Camp, with gusts reaching 45 mph. Rattlesnake Summit and Ridgewood Summit along Highway 101 are particularly vulnerable to slick conditions, and chain controls may become necessary.
There remains uncertainty on how low snow levels will fall, but projections show snow potentially reaching lake level in Lake County by Tuesday morning. If that occurs, communities around Clearlake could see accumulating snow, and stretches of Highway 101 may become hazardous during the Tuesday commute.
Gusty winds could snap tree branches and trigger isolated power outages, especially in exposed higher elevations.
Residents should monitor updated statements Sunday and Monday as confidence in snow levels increases. Drivers are urged to prepare for sudden winter conditions, carry emergency supplies and check Caltrans road conditions by calling 511. Watches could be upgraded to warnings as the storm track becomes clearer.
