Eureka, California – A cold system moving across Northwest California will continue producing bursts of small hail through early Thursday, creating slippery roads and sudden traction loss across coastal communities from Trinidad to Fortuna. Travel along U.S. 101, Route 299 and city streets in Eureka could become hazardous when hail accumulates in short, intense bursts.
According to the National Weather Service in Eureka, the highest hail threat extends overnight into Thursday morning, when colder air aloft overlaps with incoming showers. These showers may drop quick coatings of ice pellets on pavement, making curves, stoplights and intersections difficult to navigate. Even light accumulations can turn roads slick within minutes, particularly in shaded areas or on elevated surfaces.
Drivers should take extra care during early commuting hours, easing off the accelerator and avoiding hard braking when hail begins falling. Sudden lane changes and overcorrections increase the risk of losing control, especially on downhill stretches of U.S. 101 near Humboldt Hill and on ramps connecting to Route 299. Motorists who must pull off the road are urged to stay in their vehicle with seatbelts on until conditions improve.
Cold air remains entrenched behind this system, allowing additional rounds of small hail to develop through Thursday afternoon. While widespread snowfall is not expected at low elevations, any hail that falls may linger briefly before melting.
Transportation crews advise allowing more time for travel and remaining alert to changing visibility as isolated showers pulse across the region. Forecasters will issue updates if hail intensity increases or if more organized shower bands shift toward the coast later tonight.
