Northern California Braces for Two Waves of Heavy Rain

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The National Weather Service in Eureka has issued a weather alert for Northern California, warning of two distinct rain systems that will soak the region starting Monday and continuing through Friday. The first wave will bring light, scattered showers, while the second system arriving Wednesday afternoon is expected to dump widespread moderate to heavy rain, increasing the risk of minor flooding in creeks, poor drainage areas, and low-lying roadways. Travel along major highways like U.S. 101 and State Route 299 may become hazardous due to standing water, reduced visibility, and possible rockslides.

Why it matters

Heavy rain and flooding can pose significant risks to public safety, disrupt transportation, and cause property damage in Northern California communities. Preparing residents and travelers in advance is crucial to mitigating the potential impacts of these weather events.

The details

The first wave of rain is expected to arrive by Monday morning along the North Coast, bringing light, scattered showers with totals generally under 0.50 inches through Tuesday. However, conditions will deteriorate more significantly starting Wednesday afternoon, when a second system spreads widespread moderate to heavy rain across Humboldt, Del Norte, and Mendocino counties. Communities including Eureka, Crescent City, and Fort Bragg could see rain chances surge to 85 to 95 percent by Wednesday, increasing the risk of minor flooding in creeks, poor drainage areas, and low-lying roadways.

• The first wave of rain arrives by Monday morning.
• The first wave continues through Tuesday.
• The second, more significant system arrives Wednesday afternoon.
• The heavy rain is expected to continue through Friday.
• Drier and warmer conditions are forecast to return next weekend.

What’s next

Additional advisories may be issued as the midweek system develops.