A storm system producing winds excess of 60 mph passed through Humboldt and Del Norte Counties last night.
Meteorologist with the Eureka U.S. National Weather Service Shawn Palmquist told the Outpost that there is no wind advisory for today. However, winds will increase again on Monday due to an approaching storm system.
“Gale-force winds roughly range from 40 to 53 mph,” Palmquist said. “We consider any winds excess of those speeds over the water to be storm-force winds.”
Wind speeds peaked along the coast and near mountain ridges around midnight. The weather service reports the strongest Humboldt gusts were recorded at the Arcata-Eureka Airport and near School House peak in Redwood national park.
The Eureka U.S. National Weather Service put out a wind advisory yesterday alerting citizens to tie down loose objects like toys, plastic chairs and umbrellas to prevent damage.
The Arcata Police department tells the Outpost that Toys for Tots toys that were originally reported to be stolen from the Arcata Fire Department, may have actually blown away in the wind.
The weather service is also issuing a high-surf advisory for this evening, lasting through Monday. Breakers are expected to range from 21 to 26 feet.