Winter Storm Warning Issued for Lake County and Northern Mendocino Interior Through Thursday Morning

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Eureka has issued a Winter Storm Warning for elevations above 2,000 feet. The alert is currently in effect and remains active until 6:00 AM PST on Thursday, February 19, 2026.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following geographic regions in Northern California:

• Northwestern Mendocino Interior
• Northeastern Mendocino Interior
• Northern Lake County
• Southern Lake County

What You Should Do

Officials recommend that persons consider delaying all travel. If travel is absolutely necessary, motorists should use extreme caution. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Roads, bridges, and overpasses are likely to become slick and hazardous. For the latest road conditions, call 5-1-1.

Expected Conditions

Heavy snow is expected at elevations above 2,000 feet, with additional snow accumulations of up to 6 inches. There is potential for snow levels to drop as low as 1,500 feet during the heaviest snowfall. Strong winds are also expected; the combination of wind and the weight of snow on tree limbs may down power lines and cause sporadic power outages. Travel could be very difficult, and tire chains may be necessary for mountain passes.

Timeline

The Winter Storm Warning is effective immediately and will impact the Wednesday evening commute. The heaviest snowfall rates are expected tonight through Thursday morning. The warning is scheduled to expire at 6:00 AM PST on Thursday, February 19.