1. Rain

The National Weather Service is currently forecasting pretty steady rain through at least Christmas Eve, at least in Eureka, with the heaviest showers hitting us Sunday and Monday. Nearly two inches of rain were dumped on Arcata in the last 24 hours, and more in traditionally wetter places.

You can keep track of hour-by-hour and day-by-day rainfall totals from around the region right there at the LoCO Weather page, which will also give you the National Weather Service’s latest seven-day forecast.

2. Flooding

The weather service warns people who drive north out of Crescent City on 101 that last night’s larger-than-expected rainfall totals up in Del Norte are going to push the Smith River at Dr. Fine Bridge up into the watch list. They say:

  • The Smith River Near Dr Fine Bridge to rise above Monitor Stage…
  • At 08:15 AM Friday the stage was…26.5 feet 
  • No flooding is forecast.
  • MONITOR STAGE is 27.0 feet, FLOOD STAGE is 33.0 feet.
  • This river is Forecast to peak near 27.5 FT by mid morning then forecast to fall below monitor stage of 27.0 FT by noon today and will continue to recede to near 21.5 FT late tomorrow morning.

In addition, the California Highway Patrol dispatch center is recording flooding and small landslides all over local roads. They’re saying that Glendale Road is flooded at Liscom Hill, and that rocks and boulders and landslides have partially blocked Highway 36, Highway 199, and elsewhere. Also that there are low-hanging wires over Freshwater Road. Check before you drive.

3. Sandbags

If you live in a flood-prone area, now might be the time to stock up on sandbag supplies. And if you could use some pointers with your technique, they’re offering free classes today and tomorrow at NWS headquarters on Woodley Island.

Press release:

Sandbag/Sandbag Training Information

Multiple storm systems are forecast to bring significant precipitation to Northwest California over the next several days, with the heaviest rainfall expected Monday through Tuesday in Del Norte and Humboldt counties. Area creeks, streams, and rivers will likely see significant rises. Now is the time to prepare for possible flooding if you live near any creeks, streams, rivers, or low-lying areas that are prone to flooding.

The National Weather Service in Eureka and the Department of Water Resources Eureka Flood Center will be providing sand bag training at our office on Woodley Island.

National Weather Service
Eureka Weather Forecast Office
300 Startare Drive
Eureka, California 95501
Tel: (707) 443-6484 

Training will be provided on the following dates and times:

  • Thursday, December 17th , 2015: 3 to 5 PM
  • Friday, December 18th , 2015: 3 to 5 PM
  • Saturday, December 19th , 2015: 8 to 10 AM

To participate, arrive during the designated times. There is no need to call ahead.

Known businesses that sell sand bags and sand by county:

Del Norte County

Crescent City

  • Ace Hardware
  • Home Depot

Humboldt County

McKinleyville

  • Ace Hardware

Arcata

  • Ace Hardware

Eureka

  • Nilsen Company
  • The Farm Store
  • Ace Hardware

Fortuna

  • Ace Hardware

Mendocino County

Ukiah

  • Mendocino County Farm Supply
  • Mendo Mill
  • Friedman’s Home Improvement
  • Northern Aggragate – Sand

Fort Bragg

  • Rossi Building Materials
  • Mendo Mill
  • Watkins Sand and Gravel – Sand

Trinity County

Willow Creek

  • Ace Hardware

Weaverville

  • Schmidbauer Home Center
  • Ace Hardware
  • Eagle Rock Inc. - Sand