Lakeport, California – Travel over higher terrain in Lake and northern Mendocino counties could turn hazardous after 10 p.m. Tuesday as heavy snow and 45 mph wind gusts move in, coating bridges and mountain highways through Wednesday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Eureka, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 10 p.m. Tuesday until 4 p.m. Wednesday for elevations above 2,500 feet in Lake County and the northern Mendocino interior. Snow totals of 4 to 8 inches are expected above 2,500 feet, with localized amounts up to 14 inches above 3,000 feet. Winds may gust to 45 mph, increasing the risk of downed tree limbs and sporadic power outages.
Highway 101 at Ridgewood Summit and Rattlesnake Summit, along with roads near Cobb and the higher elevations around Clear Lake, will likely see slick conditions, especially on bridges and overpasses. Blowing snow could reduce visibility at times Wednesday morning.
Residents should delay non-essential travel, check 511 for road updates and prepare for possible outages by charging devices and securing loose outdoor items. Conditions are expected to improve after 4 p.m. Wednesday, but additional updates may be issued if snowfall intensifies.
