Eel River Avoids Major Flood Stage, Evacuation Warnings Remain

Residents of the Eel River Valley received some good news today as the Eel River is no longer projected to reach major flood stage.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office downgraded all evacuation orders to warnings for areas west of Loleta, including the Table Bluff Reservation, Ferndale, Fern Bridge, and regions northwest of Highway 211. While the Eel River has not reached the critical major flood stage, its current moderate level has still caused significant flooding in some areas.

Evacuation warnings also remain in effect for the Arcata Bottoms near the mouth of the Mad River, as the flood warning is still active in those regions. “The Eel River is our main river of concern, and it has reached above moderate flood stage,” said Meteorologist James White with the National Weather Service. “It’s about a foot below major flood stage, and it seems to be leveling off right now, which is good news as we avoided the worst impacts.”

Despite the improved outlook for the Eel River, the North Coast has not escaped the impacts of the recent storm system unscathed. Numerous road closures remain in effect across the region, including Highway 254 (Avenue of the Giants), Highway 1 along the Mendocino coast, and Highway 175 in Hopland. Power outages also continue to affect hundreds of residents in Humboldt and Mendocino counties.

While the immediate flood threat has subsided, meteorologists warn that the start of the winter storm season has been signaled, with rivers and soils now saturated. This means the next round of storms could lead to a more rapid response from the waterways. “Our rivers are going to be more responsive, so our next winter storms coming up, whenever they may occur, we’re going to have to keep a close eye on them,” White cautioned. For the time being, the North Coast can expect a calmer weather pattern heading into the Thanksgiving holiday, with only light showers and sporadic thunderstorms in the forecast. Meteorologists are forecasting dry conditions for the holiday itself, providing a welcome respite for residents after the recent flooding concerns.