Eureka, California – Drivers across interior Northern California could face snow-covered highways and slick mountain passes by late Monday as a winter storm targets higher elevations through Wednesday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Eureka, a Winter Storm Watch takes effect Monday evening for Del Norte, Humboldt, Mendocino and Lake county interiors. Areas above 2,000 feet in Humboldt and Del Norte counties may see 6 to 18 inches of snow, while elevations above 2,500 feet in Lake County and northern Mendocino County could pick up up to 5 inches. The heaviest snowfall rates are expected late Monday through Tuesday morning, with snow levels potentially dropping as low as 1,500 to 2,000 feet under heavier bursts.
Travel along Highway 299 near Berry Summit, Highway 199 near Collier Tunnel, and Highway 101 at Prairie Creek, Ridgewood and Rattlesnake summits could become hazardous. Communities including Willow Creek, Hoopa, Garberville, Covelo, Lakeport and Clearlake may see accumulating snow at higher elevations, especially during the Tuesday commute.
Officials urge residents to monitor updates and delay non-essential travel in mountain areas. Drivers should prepare for chain controls and rapidly changing road conditions.
The watch remains in effect through Wednesday morning, and additional advisories may be issued as confidence increases.
