7 AM Emergency Update: Road Closures, Power Outages, and School Announcements
(Updated 8am)- The Eel River at Fernbridge is projected to reach flood stage this afternoon, with major flooding expected through Saturday. Persistent heavy rainfall from the ongoing atmospheric river event has prompted evacuation orders and warnings for low-lying areas near the river, including regions between Fortuna and Ferndale. The river is expected to crest at over 25 feet by Friday afternoon according to NOAA, posing a significant threat to nearby communities. Impacts include flooding in low-lying areas, and road closures.
Evacuation orders and warnings are also in place for areas near the mouth of the Eel River and the Mad River, particularly affecting the Fortuna/Ferndale region and Arcata Bottoms. Residents should remain vigilant, monitor updates from local authorities, and take precautions to ensure their safety.
CalTrans District 1 reports that Highway 211 could close at any minute due to the river gauge nearing 24 feet. Updates will be posted here.
Severe flooding of the Eel River Delta is expected today. Do not attempt to drive into water covered roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
The public is urged to heed all evacuation orders, sign up for emergency alerts, and check on vulnerable neighbors. The Humboldt County Fairgrounds have opened to shelter livestock, and an evacuation center has been set up at the Fortuna Fireman’s Pavilion. Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel and never attempt to drive through flooded areas.
Road Information
- Highways 101, 36, and 299: Open.
- Highway 211 (Ferndale to Fernbridge): Has a pending closure.
- Highway 254 (Avenue of the Giants): Closed from Holmes to Pepperwood.
- Hookton Road: Off Ramp closed due to flooding.
- Redwood Drive (The Bluffs, Redway to Garberville): Closed due to rock and mudslides.
- Briceland-Thorn Road: Flooded near Alapok Lane due to a plugged culvert.
- Highway 162 to Covelo: Open, but motorists report falling rocks and mud. Use caution.
- Highway 1 (Manchester to Point Arena): Closed due to Garcia River flooding.
Power Outages
- Humboldt County: 2,559 residents without power, mostly in Southern Humboldt (Alderpoint to Whitethorn, Miranda to Petrolia). Smaller outages reported in Eureka and Arcata. PG&E crews are aware of the outages and will begin repairs after the storm. No estimated time of restoration.
- Mendocino County: 4,874 residents without power, primarily along the Mendocino Coast and surrounding areas.
School Announcements
- Leggett Valley School: Closed today due to the outage (11/22/24).
- Miranda Junior High and South Fork High School are closed due to an outage (11/22/24).
- Southern Humboldt Schools: Delayed by 2 hours.
