A member of the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Swiftwater Rescue Team approaches a residence in Freshwater. | Photos via HCSO.

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Rain is wreaking havoc across Humboldt County today, leading to widespread flooding in Freshwater and the Eel River Valley, creating dangerous driving conditions on area roads and prompting emergency rescue efforts for stranded residents.

Flash flood warnings are in effect across the northern and southern portions of the county. In fact, the whole county has been placed on “Flood Watch” status by the National Weather Service. 

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Swiftwater Rescue Team is actively helping flooded residences in the Freshwater area, as seen in the photo above. The office advises people to shelter in place, if possible, and dial 911 if you’re experiencing a safety emergency, of course.

“Do not attempt to cross flooded roadways or moving water on foot or in a vehicle.,” the Sheriff’s Office says. “The water is extremely swift and cold and can quickly become overwhelming and life threatening.”

State Route 211 leading into and out of Ferndale is currently closed, as is Avenue of the Giants (State Route 254).

The Eel River is forecasted to reach flood stage by 9 p.m. and continue through Monday evening, peaking at 22.5 feet at around 5 a.m. Monday.

The Mad River is expected to reach minor flood stage around 5 p.m. with a peak of 22 feet. 

According to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, the following roads were flooded, as of about 11 a.m.:

  • Howard Heights between Kneeland and Howard Heights Road
  • Hookton Rd west of Tompkins Hill Road
  • Myrtle Ave at Freshwater Road
  • Old Arcata Rd between Graham Rd and Jacoby Creek Road
  • Graham Road
  • Zanes Road
  • Crannell Road
  • Berta Road
  • Glendale Drive - 100 feet northwest of Liscom Hill Road
  • Ambrosini Lane
  • Waddington Road between addresses 2400 and 2504

And the following roads have been closed:

  • Eel River Road  and Hookton Road is closed due to flooding
  • Old Arcata Road between Graham Road and Jacoby Creek Road is closed due to flooding.
  • Freshwater Road between Greenwood Heights Drive and Garfield School is a HARD CLOSURE due to flooding. Use the detour through Greenwood Heights Drive to get to the Kneeland area.
  • Elk River Road 1/2 mile before Wrigley Road is closed due to flooding
  • Fernbridge Drive Northbound Lane closed to the bridge due to flooding.
  • Coffee Creek is closed due to flooding from P.M. 1.00 to 1.25
  • Meridian Road between post marker 0.5 to 0.9

Stay safe out there, folks.