Humboldt County residents are encouraged to prepare now for a winter storm system forecasted to impact the county beginning this afternoon.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for interior Humboldt County and a Winter Storm Watch for communities along the coast beginning Tuesday, February 21 at 1 p.m. through Thursday, Feb. 23. Heavy snow is expected for communities above 1,000 feet, with total snow accumulations of 6 to 18 inches. Communities along the coast may experience hail, sleet, and even snow during this storm. Additionally, temperatures are expected to drop into the teens and 20s Friday and Saturday mornings.
PREPARE FOR STORM IMPACTS
Strong wind, hail and heavy snow are expected to create hazardous travel conditions particularly Wednesday and Thursday. Community members are urged to use extreme caution while traveling this week, especially on higher elevation routes such as Highways 299 and 36. If you must travel, create an emergency supply kit for your car. Include jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water and non-perishable snacks. Keep the gas tank full.
Power outages may occur as a result of this storm. Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Remember the needs of your pets. Have extra batteries for radios and flashlights. If utilizing a generator for power, always operate the generator outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and attached garages to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven.
WARMING CENTERS AND SHELTERING RESOURCES
Central Humboldt
Organization | Location, Days, Hours | Services Provided |
|---|---|---|
| Eureka Rescue Mission | Men - 110 Second Street, Eureka. Women- 102 Second Street, Eureka. | Overnight sheltering, dinner and showers. |
| Betty Kwan Chinn Day Center | Call before 4 p.m., 707-407-3833 or visit the Day Center at 133 Seventh Street, Eureka. | Overnight sheltering, dinner and showers. |
Southern Humboldt
Organization | Location, Days, Hours |
|---|---|
| SoHum Housing Opportunities (SHO) Recharge/Warming Center* | Tuesday, February 21: February 22-24 (Wed. - Fri.): |
| Redwoods Rural Health Center (RRHC) Extreme Winter Weather Shelter | Call to check capacity: 707-923-2783 ext. 1361 |
| *Transportation is available to the SHO Warming Centers for Southern Humboldt County residents through the RRHC. The Health Center’s marked transportation van will be regularly stopping at the town square to transport community members to the warming centers. If you need a pickup from another location, please call 707-357-8312. | |
Northern Humboldt
Organization | Location, Days, Hours |
|---|---|
| Lower Trinity River Prescribed Burn Association Warming Center | February 22-23 (Wed. - Thurs.): |
| The Heights Casino Warming Center | February 22-24 (Wed. - Fri.): 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. at The Heights Bingo Hall, 27 Scenic Drive, Trinidad |
STAY INFORMED
Residents are encouraged to monitor the National Weather Service for updated forecast information and always check conditions prior to traveling: https://www.weather.gov/eka/
Sign up for Humboldt Alert to receive emergency alerts and information from Humboldt County: humboldtgov.org/alerts
For updated information from Humboldt County OES, please go to humboldtsheriff.org/emergency and visit @HumCoOES on Facebook and Twitter.