Use the player below to listen to updated audio about this storm system, including  three interviews.

According to a Weather Statement issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on Wed. Nov. 28, 2012:

The current weather system in Northern California has triggered a "High Wind Warning", in effect today (Thurs., Nov. 29, 2012) from 3 am to 8 pm., PST, and a "Flood Watch" effective through late tonight. This hazardous weather outlook is for northwest California.

The release goes on to warn that: "Large trees and large branches will be knocked down by this storm....and can be deadly when they fall onto cars or people. Avoid unnecessary travel and stay indoors, if possible.  If you must travel, slow down to provide more reaction time in case the road is blocked by a tree."

Click here for more info. on the Flood Warning.

According to information released by the Trinity County Sheriff's Office, sandbags will be available at the following locations:

The following Trinity County Yards from 9:00am-3:00pm: Trinity Center, 35 Airport Road; Hayfork, 180 Morgan Hill Road; Ruth, 17960 Mad River Road
In Weaverville, Weaverville Solid Waste Transfer Site located at 173 Tom Bell Road from 8:00am-4:00pm.
There will be a limit of 25 bags per household. Please bring your own shovel.
In case of an emergency after hours please call the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office at 530-623-2611.

Use the player below to hear more information about the current storm system including interviews with Bob Ruehl, the observing Program Leader with the National Weather Service in Eureka, John Buttons of the California Conservation Crew (CCC), and Humbold County Road Maintenance Supervisor Marty Messenger. This piece was aired by KMUD News Cordinator, Cynthia Elkins, on the KMUD Local News Thurs., Nov. 29, 2012.

According to a press release titled, "Message from Office of Emergency Services - Weather Shift",  from the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office, dated Nov. 27, 2012:

A major shift in the weather pattern will bring wet and windy weather to all of Northern and Central California beginning midweek and lasting through the weekend and into the beginning of next week. Heavy precipitation is expected across northern portions of the state with high rainfall rates first on Wednesday then again on Friday into Saturday. Urban and small stream flooding will be common, even extending into central California. Regarding main stem rivers, this event will be the largest of the season to date, and rapid rises on some rivers can be expected, but for the most part remain below levels of serious concern. Meanwhile mud and debris flows are possible especially near areas burned during recent wildfires.

The press release goes on to indicate that the flood control reservoirs seem to be in excellent shape and further states that: "This storm sequence should wet basins down pretty well, making subsequent events much more effective, and the long-range guidance suggests that the storm door is remaining open."

Additional Info:
Click here for Northern Hemisphere Satellite Animation.
Click here for views from the Caltrans traffic camera in Mendocino Co./Hwy. 101 at the north Confusion Hill Bridge, 7 miles south of the Humboldt Co. line.
Other Traffic Cameras in Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, and Mendocino counties. 
Click here for the National Weather Service web page.

  Use the player below to hear an audio update on this tragic incident.
U.S.Coast Guard photo above shows the area of Big Lagoon State Park- site of search for three people swept into the ocean.

According to a press release from the U.S. Coast Guard, dated Mon., Nov. 26, 2012:

The Coast Guard suspended its search for the 16-year-old who was swept out to sea from a beach near Big Lagoon State Park on Saturday (Nov. 24).  At 12:40 p.m. on Saturday, the Coast Guard received notification from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s department that three people had been swept into the ocean.  Group Air Station Humboldt Bay dispatched an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter rescue crew and two 47-foot Motor Lifeboat crews from Station Humboldt Bay to search the area.

Upon arriving on scene, the Coast Guard was advised by the Sheriff's Department that two bodies had been recovered, and that a 16-year-old male was still missing. Crews searched the six-square mile area around the state park by air and sea until suspending at 6:45 p.m. due to heavy fog and darkness. "This unfortunate and tragic event is a reminder of the ruthlessness and unrelenting power of the ocean here along the northern California coast," said Lt. Bernie Garrigan, the Group Humboldt Bay public affairs officer. "With the holiday season upon us and more people out for walks along the beach, it is critically important to maintain situational awareness and stay away from the surf which can quickly build and catch people off guard."

See more on this story from the Times Standard.

Use the player below to hear updated information on this incident. This information was aired by KMUD News Coordinator, Cynthia Elkins, on the KMUD Local News, Thurs., Nov 29, 2012.

The U.S. Coast Guard image below shows the search patterns used in attempts to locate the missing 16-year-old male.

According to a press release from the California Highway Patrol, dated Nov. 21, 2012:

On November 21, 2012 a Garberville Area CHP Officer observed a green 2004 Jeep Laredo traveling southbound on US-101 at a high rate of speed through Richardson Grove, resulting in an enforcement stop north of the Mendocino County line.  The Jeep's driver was identified by his California Driver's License as Luis Alonso Nolasco (DOB: 12/21/1972) from Paramount, California. 

While speaking with Mr. Nolasco, the Officer recognized the strong odor of marijuana emitting from inside the Jeep.  Mr.Nolasco also related that there was marijuana inside the vehicle.  During a subsequent investigation, approximately 111 pounds of processed and packaged marijuana was located inside the Jeep.  The marijuana was processed and packaged in clear plastic bags, each weighing nearly a pound.  Mr. Nolasco was placed under arrest on suspicion of marijuana cultivation, possession and transportation for sales.  The Humboldt County Drug Task Force (HCDTF) responded to the scene and assisted Garberville Area CHP with this incident.

The photo below shows the confiscated packaged marijuana: