Flood Warning Issued for Central Mendocino County; Heavy Rain Triggers Flooding Near Willits

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Eureka, CA, has issued a Flood Warning for central Mendocino County. The alert was triggered by reports from local law enforcement of heavy rain and active flooding within the region.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers central Mendocino County in northwestern California. Impacted locations include US101 and areas in and around Willits. Residents should be aware that flooding is expected in rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying or flood-prone locations.

What You Should Do

• Turn around, don’t drown: Do not attempt to drive through flooded roads. Most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles.
• Avoid low-water crossings: In hilly terrain, hundreds of low-water crossings can become potentially dangerous during heavy rain.
• Report flooding: If you observe flooding, report it to local emergency services or law enforcement when it is safe to do so.
• Stay alert for landslides: There is an increased risk of rock and landslides along roadways in the affected area.

Expected Conditions

Excessive rainfall has already resulted in 1 to 3 inches of accumulation. Meteorologists expect an additional 1 to 2 inches of rain may fall before the system moves out. Small stream flooding is occurring, and many low-water crossings are currently inundated and impassable.

Timeline

The Flood Warning is effective immediately and is scheduled to expire at 11:30 AM PST on February 24, 2026.