With more rain in the forecast, the Humboldt County Department of Public Works encourages the community to take steps to stay safe on the road while experiencing wet weather.
It is no secret that severe weather can happen anytime in Humboldt. This can result in hazardous road conditions produced by storms, including damaging rain and winds, large hail, flooding and flash flooding, and winter storms associated with freezing rain, black ice, sleet, snow and strong winds.
Preparing the county road system for the rainy and winter weather season requires an organized approach to ensure public safety. To prepare for severe weather, Public Work’s roads crews will:
- Conduct regular equipment maintenance inspections.
- Prioritize and make necessary repairs to maintain essential connectivity and infrastructure during wet weather.
- Ensure drains and ditches are cleared to prevent flooding.
- Continue to check for landslide and flood risks on county roadways.
- Collect and conduct inventory inspections on key materials.
- Prepare to issue snow chain advisories and requirements.
- Prepare and practice responding to emergency road conditions calls, including landslides, flooding, downed trees and power lines.
While roads crews respond immediately during the winter storm season to reopen damaged roads as quickly as possible, it is important to note that carrying out more extensive road repairs is a timely process and is often dependent on state and federal governments to determine the size and scope of the repairs they will fund.
Be Prepared
Humboldt County residents are encouraged to be prepared for more winter weather ahead. Before the next storm, be sure to check your vehicle’s tires, radiator fluid levels, windshield wipers, lights, defroster and heater to ensure they are in good condition before heading out on the road.
Community members are encouraged to avoid driving in severe weather conditions. If you must drive, please be sure to:
- Monitor local National Weather Service weather conditions at Weather.gov.eka.
- Stay informed on Humboldt County road conditions at Humboldtgov.org/Roads.
- Check for Caltrans roads updates at Quickmap.dot.ca.gov.
- Keep your gas tank full.
- Always wear a seat belt.
- Drive slowly and expect delays. Get an early start and allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
- Keep your windshield clear. Turn on headlights to improve visibility.
- Slow for the cone zone. Keep the county’s road crews safe by always keeping alert.
- Follow all speed limit, road closure and detour signs.
- Always carry chains. Make sure they are the proper size for your tires and are in working order. Carry a flashlight with extra batteries and chain repair links. Chains must be installed on the drive wheels. Make sure you know if your vehicle is front or rear wheel drive.
- Keep emergency supplies in your vehicle, including warm blankets, gloves, an ice scraper, shovel, a small broom and extra food and water.
- Never drive through flood water.
- Report downed power lines by calling 9-1-1.
Sign Up for Humboldt Alert
Humboldt Alert is the county’s emergency notification system. Residents are encouraged to sign up for alerts at Humboldtgov.org/Alerts. For more preparedness tips and resources, please visit Humboldtgov.org/Prepare or Ready.gov/Severe-Weather.
Stay Informed
Humboldt County residents are encouraged to sign up to receive text and email alerts regarding county road conditions, including upcoming projects, flooded roads, road closures and chain requirements. Residents can sign up at HumboldtGov.org/RoadsUpdates.
To place a non-emergency request for service on a county-maintained road, please visit HumboldtGov.org/Roads.
For more information and updates on Humboldt County road conditions and projects, visit HumboldtGov.org/Roads or follow @HumCoRoads on Facebook.