The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office and Office of Emergency Services advise the public to prepare for heavy rain on Sunday, January 17, 2016 and take appropriate protection measures. The National Weather Service expects heavy rain to begin early Sunday morning and continue through the day, with precipitation totals of 2-5 inches, and gusty winds up to 40-50 miles per hour at the coast and up to 60 miles per hour at ridgelines and higher elevations.
The California Nevada River Forecast Center is currently projecting that the Eel River at Fernbridge will reach flood stage around 3:00 A.M. Monday morning, January 18, cresting at less than a foot above flood stage around 8:00 A.M. Monday morning. Roads and low-lying areas in the Eel River delta will be impacted. The river flood outlook may continue to change through tomorrow. Sandbags are available to Ferndale residents at the fairgrounds today. Sandbag supplies may also be purchased at local hardware stores.
Other river forecast points will likely exceed monitor stage, but are not currently expected to flood,
including the Van Duzen River, Mad River, and Redwood Creek. Creeks, streams, and roads may be flooded. Motorists should not attempt to enter flooded roadways. High surf conditions should be observed from a safe distance at higher elevations.
Residents are encouraged to ensure that household emergency supplies are accessible in the event of power outages, loss of utilities, and road closures. Water, food, critical medications, emergency lighting and pet supplies should be stocked in preparation for any emergency. Weather and river forecasts may be monitored online, and on NOAA weather radio.
California Nevada River Forecast Center: www.cnrfc.noaa.gov
Eureka National Weather Service: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/eka/
Mike Downey
Sheriff