Here comes the rain! Flood Warning issued for Humboldt Bay and low lying areas along the Eel River | Lost Shore Outpost

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Get ready for a wet weekend, Humboldt!

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a flood warning for coastal communities and low-lying areas in the Eel River Valley, where 5 to 5 inches of rain is expected over the next 24 hours. In some areas in the southern Humboldt area, up to 20 centimeters of rain fell during the same period.

“You should monitor later forecasts and watch for possible flood warnings,” the NWS flood warning states. “There is an increased risk of falling rocks and landslides along the roadways. … Those living in flood-prone areas should be prepared to take action if flooding occurs.”

Humboldt County Public Works has already reported closures on some county-maintained roads, including Coffee Creek and Meridian roads in Ferndale. Flooding was also reported on Pine Hill Road. The McCann Bridge is closed but the McCann ferry is running.

Coastal communities should also be aware of king tides, unusually high tides that occur when the sun, moon and Earth collide, creating a “stronger than normal gravitational pull” that can increase tides by one to two feet, according to the NWS. When combined with storm surges, king tides can dramatically increase the risk of coastal flooding and property damage.

Coastal flooding is expected in low-lying areas of Humboldt Bay, particularly in King Salmon and along Jackson Road in the Arcata Bottoms.

If you happen to take a few photos of this super flood, send them to the California Coastal Commission! Those interested can submit their photos to the California King Tides Project at this link. If you decide to take photos, please do so safely.

A high wind warning is also in effect for Humboldt and Del Norte counties. Winds are expected to be between 25 and 35 miles per hour, with gusts up to 60 miles per hour at higher elevations, according to the NWS. Be extra careful when driving, especially if you have a large vehicle.

Keep an eye on the Caltrans Quickmap or the Caltrans District 1 Facebook page for current road conditions. We will update this post if we learn of further closures.

Stay healthy, Humboldt!