Highway 1 Flooded North of Fort Bragg, Drivers Urged to Avoid Area

The California Highway Patrol is asking drivers to steer clear of the unsafe driving conditions.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A portion of Highway 1 in Mendocino County, California, has been flooded between MacKerricher State Park and Bruhel Point Road north of Fort Bragg. The California Highway Patrol is advising drivers to avoid the area due to the unsafe driving conditions caused by the flood waters.

Why it matters

Highway 1 is a major coastal route in Northern California, and this flooding could disrupt travel and commerce in the region. The flooding is part of a larger atmospheric river event that has brought heavy rainfall to the Mendocino Coast, highlighting the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events.

The details

Social media videos show vehicles driving around the flood waters along the highway, and the park entrance is also inundated. Caltrans has confirmed that the highway is open, but drivers should avoid the affected area. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for the Mendocino Coast until 10 p.m. tonight.

  • Around 4:45 p.m. on February 24, 2026, the CHP reported a 10-mile stretch of Highway 1 was closed.
  • Later on February 24, 2026, the CHP confirmed the highway was open but advised drivers to avoid the flooded area.

The players

California Highway Patrol

The state law enforcement agency responsible for patrolling and maintaining safety on California's highways.

Caltrans

The California Department of Transportation, responsible for maintaining the state's transportation infrastructure.

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing weather-related warnings and advisories.

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The takeaway

This flooding event highlights the need for improved infrastructure and emergency preparedness to address the growing threat of extreme weather events driven by climate change. Drivers should stay informed about road conditions and heed warnings from authorities to ensure their safety.