Eureka, Calif. – Heavy snow will begin stacking up across Northern California’s mountain highways by 7 p.m. Monday, threatening to shut down key routes and strand drivers through midweek as snow levels crash to 2,000 feet overnight.
According to the National Weather Service in Eureka, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for Trinity County and the interior mountains of Humboldt, Del Norte, Lake and Mendocino counties until 4 p.m. Wednesday. Snow totals will range from 4 to 10 inches above 2,000 feet, with isolated peaks seeing 17 to 22 inches above 3,000 to 3,500 feet. Wind gusts could reach 45 mph in Lake and Mendocino counties, increasing the risk of downed trees and scattered power outages.
In Trinity County, including Weaverville, Hayfork and Trinity Center, heavy snowfall rates will intensify late Monday night through Tuesday morning. Highways 299 over Buckhorn and Oregon Mountain summits and Highway 3 at Scott Mountain could become impassable at times.
Across Humboldt and Del Norte interiors, snow will impact Highway 199 near Collier Tunnel, Highway 299 at Berry Summit and Bald Hills Road. In Southwestern Humboldt, Mattole Road and Shelter Cove Road above 2,000 feet face hazardous travel beginning late Monday evening.
Lake County and the higher terrain of Mendocino County, including Ridgewood and Rattlesnake summits along Highway 101, could see slick bridges and overpasses during the Tuesday morning commute.
Officials urge residents to delay travel, carry chains, and check Caltrans road conditions by calling 511. Charge devices and prepare for possible outages as winds increase.
Warnings remain in effect through 4 p.m. Wednesday, and additional advisories could follow if snow levels dip closer to 1,500 feet during the heaviest bursts.
