Flood Warning Issued for Eel River at Fernbridge in Humboldt County

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Eureka CA has issued a Flood Warning for the Eel River at Fernbridge. This alert is in effect from Tuesday evening, February 24, until Wednesday morning, February 25. The warning was issued as the river is likely to exceed its bankfull stage.

Affected Areas

The warning primarily affects Humboldt County in California. Specific locations along the Eel River mentioned in the alert include Fernbridge, Scotia, Bridgeville, Fort Seward, and Miranda.

What You Should Do

Motorists are urged to follow the “Turn around, don’t drown” rule when encountering flooded roads, as most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Do not attempt to drive around barricades or through flooded areas. A Special Action Advisory is also in effect for owners of livestock in the low-lying areas of the Eel Delta; owners should take immediate action to protect their animals. Residents should stay tuned to local radio, television, or NOAA Weather Radio for further updates.

Expected Conditions

Minor flooding is forecast for the region. At the flood stage of 20.0 feet, significant flooding is expected to impact the western portions of Cannibal Island Road, Camp Weott Road, the Salt and Old Rivers, and all adjacent low-lying areas. The river is forecast to reach a crest of 20.6 feet, a level comparable to a previous crest recorded in February 1982. Flooding impacts may be increased if the crest occurs during high tides or strong onshore winds.

Timeline

The Eel River is expected to rise above the 20.0-foot flood stage late Tuesday evening, February 24. It is forecast to reach its peak crest of 20.6 feet just after midnight tonight before falling below flood stage. The warning is currently set to expire at 6:00 AM PST on Wednesday, February 25.