Alert archive / California / Winter Storm Watches in 2021

Winter Storm Watch 2, NWS Eureka, CA

January 24, 20215 counties in California

NWS Eureka, CA issued this winter storm watch at Jan 24, 2021, 3:01 PM PST for 5 counties in California. It took effect at Jan 26, 2021, 2:00 PM PST. It was in force for .

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Jan 24, 2021, 3:01 PM PST (23:01 UTC)
In effect from
Jan 26, 2021, 2:00 PM PST
Expired
Jan 25, 2021, 3:00 PM PST
In force
Issued by
NWS Eureka, CA

Counties Del Norte County, CA, Humboldt County, CA, Lake County, CA, Mendocino County, CA, Trinity County, CA

The radar

The Eureka (Bunker Hill) radar (KBHX), 75 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 23:04 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

The nearest sounding before it

Medford/Jackson, OR (KMFR), launched 12:00Z, 11.0 hours before the alert went out and 233 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Medford/Jackson, OR at 12:00Z on 2021-01-24Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Medford/Jackson, OR at 12:00Z on 2021-01-24The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 40 square meters per square second.193958Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
693 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
39 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
40 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
72 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

912 
WWUS46 KEKA 242301
WSWEKA

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Eureka CA
301 PM PST Sun Jan 24 2021

...Light snow expected today...

...Heavy Snow Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning...

.Snow showers will linger above 3000 ft through this evening, with
around 2 inches of additional accumulation possible at Scott 
Mountain Summit on Hwy 3.

A stronger storm system will move through the area starting
Tuesday afternoon and persist through Wednesday morning, bringing
over a foot of snow to areas between 1500 and 2500 feet.

CAZ102-105-106-108-250715-
/O.CAN.KEKA.WW.Y.0004.000000T0000Z-210125T0300Z/
/O.NEW.KEKA.WS.A.0002.210126T2200Z-210127T2000Z/
Del Norte Interior-Northern Humboldt Interior-
Southern Humboldt Interior-Southern Trinity-
301 PM PST Sun Jan 24 2021

...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH
WEDNESDAY MORNING...
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

* WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of up to 24
  inches possible. Snow levels around 1500 ft for northern
  Trinity, Humboldt, and Del Norte interiors, and around 2500-3000
  ft for southern Humboldt and Trinity.

* WHERE...Del Norte Interior, Northern Humboldt Interior, Southern
  Humboldt Interior and Southern Trinity.

* WHEN...From Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The
  hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening
  commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation. 

&&

$$

CAZ104-250015-
/O.CAN.KEKA.WW.Y.0004.000000T0000Z-210125T0300Z/
Southwestern Humboldt-
301 PM PST Sun Jan 24 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

Light snow showers may persist through this evening above 3000 ft.

$$

CAZ107-250715-
/O.NEW.KEKA.WS.A.0002.210126T2200Z-210127T2000Z/
/O.CON.KEKA.WW.Y.0004.000000T0000Z-210125T0300Z/
Northern Trinity-
301 PM PST Sun Jan 24 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM PST THIS
EVENING ABOVE 2500 FEET...
...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH
WEDNESDAY MORNING...

* WHAT...For the Winter Weather Advisory above 2500 feet, snow.
  Additional snow accumulations of up to two inches at Scott
  Mountain Summit on Hwy 3. For the Winter Storm Watch, heavy snow
  possible. Total snow accumulations of 12 to 24 inches possible.

* WHERE...Northern Trinity County.

* WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, until 7 PM PST this 
  evening. For the Winter Storm Watch, from Tuesday afternoon 
  through Wednesday morning.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The
  hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening
  commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation. 

The latest road conditions for the state of California can be
obtained by calling 1-800-GAS-ROAD.

&&

$$

CAZ110-111-114-250715-
/O.NEW.KEKA.WS.A.0002.210126T2200Z-210127T2000Z/
Northwestern Mendocino Interior-Northeastern Mendocino Interior-
Northern Lake County-
301 PM PST Sun Jan 24 2021

...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH
WEDNESDAY MORNING...

* WHAT...Heavy snow possible above 2500 ft. Total snow 
  accumulations of 12 to 24 inches possible.

* WHERE...Northwestern Mendocino Interior, Northeastern Mendocino
  Interior and Northern Lake County.

* WHEN...From Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The 
  hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening 
  commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation. 

&&

$$
3 follow-up statements
712 
WWUS46 KEKA 250313
WSWEKA

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Eureka CA
713 PM PST Sun Jan 24 2021

...Heavy Snow Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning...

.A stronger storm system will move through the area starting 
Tuesday afternoon and persist through Wednesday morning, bringing 
over a foot of snow to areas between 1,500 and 2,500 feet.

CAZ107-251230-
/O.EXP.KEKA.WW.Y.0004.000000T0000Z-210125T0300Z/
/O.CON.KEKA.WS.A.0002.210126T2200Z-210127T2000Z/
Northern Trinity-
713 PM PST Sun Jan 24 2021

...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY AFTERNOON
THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING...
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY HAS EXPIRED...

* WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 10 to 
  32 inches possible. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph.

* WHERE...Northern Trinity County.

* WHEN...From Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The 
  hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening 
  commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation. 

&&

$$

CAZ102-105-106-108-110-111-114-251230-
/O.CON.KEKA.WS.A.0002.210126T2200Z-210127T2000Z/
Del Norte Interior-Northern Humboldt Interior-
Southern Humboldt Interior-Southern Trinity-
Northwestern Mendocino Interior-Northeastern Mendocino Interior-
Northern Lake County-
713 PM PST Sun Jan 24 2021

...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY AFTERNOON
THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING...

* WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of up to 
  26 inches possible. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph.

* WHERE...Southern Trinity, Northeastern Mendocino Interior, 
  Northwestern Mendocino Interior, Del Norte Interior, Northern 
  Humboldt Interior, Southern Humboldt Interior and Northern 
  Lake County Counties.

* WHEN...From Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The 
  hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening 
  commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation. 

&&

$$
371 
WWUS46 KEKA 251127
WSWEKA

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Eureka CA
327 AM PST Mon Jan 25 2021

...Heavy Snow Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning...

.A strong and cold storm system will move through the area 
starting Tuesday afternoon and persist through Wednesday morning, 
bringing significant snow above the snow level. Snow levels will
range from the valley floors in northern Trinity county to over
3,000 feet in southern Mendocino and Lake counties. Confidence is
still low on the snow levels, monitor future forecast for the
latest information.

CAZ107-251930-
/O.CON.KEKA.WS.A.0002.210126T2200Z-210127T2000Z/
Northern Trinity-
327 AM PST Mon Jan 25 2021

...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY AFTERNOON
THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING...

* WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 11 to 20 
  inches possible. Winds could gust as high as 50 mph.

* WHERE...Northern Trinity County. This includes Highway 299 and
  Highway 3 as well as the towns of Weaverville and Trinity
  Center.

* WHEN...From Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The 
  hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening 
  commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation. 

&&

$$

CAZ102-105-251930-
/O.CON.KEKA.WS.A.0002.210126T2200Z-210127T2000Z/
Del Norte Interior-Northern Humboldt Interior-
327 AM PST Mon Jan 25 2021

...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY AFTERNOON
THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING ABOVE 1500 FEET...

* WHAT...Heavy snow possible above 1500 feet. Total snow
  accumulations of 10 to 20 inches possible. Winds could gust as
  high as 50 mph. Locally higher snowfall amounts at higher
  elevations.

* WHERE...Del Norte Interior and Northern Humboldt Interior
  Counties. This includes Highway 299 at Berry and Lord Ellis
  summits as well Highway 199 at the Collier Tunnel.

* WHEN...From Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The 
  hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening 
  commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation. 

&&

$$

CAZ108-251930-
/O.CON.KEKA.WS.A.0002.210126T2200Z-210127T2000Z/
Southern Trinity-
327 AM PST Mon Jan 25 2021

...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY AFTERNOON
THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING ABOVE 1500 FEET...

* WHAT...Heavy snow possible above 1500 feet. Total snow
  accumulations of 10 to 20 inches possible. Winds could gust as 
  high as 45 mph.

* WHERE...Southern Trinity County. This includes Highway 3 and 36
  and the town of Hayfork.

* WHEN...From Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The 
  hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening 
  commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation. 

&&

$$

CAZ106-251930-
/O.CON.KEKA.WS.A.0002.210126T2200Z-210127T2000Z/
Southern Humboldt Interior-
327 AM PST Mon Jan 25 2021

...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY AFTERNOON
THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING ABOVE 2000 FEET...

* WHAT...Heavy snow possible above 2000 feet. Total snow
  accumulations of 10 to 20 inches possible. Winds could gust as 
  high as 50 mph.

* WHERE...Southern Humboldt Interior County. This includes Highway
  3 near Dinsmore.

* WHEN...From Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The 
  hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening 
  commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation. 

&&

$$

CAZ110-111-114-251930-
/O.CON.KEKA.WS.A.0002.210126T2200Z-210127T2000Z/
Northwestern Mendocino Interior-Northeastern Mendocino Interior-
Northern Lake County-
327 AM PST Mon Jan 25 2021

...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY AFTERNOON
THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING ABOVE 2500 FEET...

* WHAT...Heavy snow possible above 2500 feet. Total snow
  accumulations of 15 to 30 inches possible. Winds could gust as 
  high as 45 mph.

* WHERE...Northeastern Mendocino Interior, Northwestern 
  Mendocino Interior and Northern Lake County Counties.

* WHEN...From Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The 
  hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening 
  commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation. 

&&

$$
294 
WWUS46 KEKA 252300
WSWEKA

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Eureka CA
300 PM PST Mon Jan 25 2021

...Heavy Snow Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning...

.A strong and cold storm system will move through the area
Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning, bringing significant
snow above the snow level. Snow levels will range from the valley
floors in northern Trinity county to over 3,000 feet in southern 
Mendocino and Lake counties. Confidence is still low on the snow 
levels, particularly south of Hwy 36. Monitor future forecast for
the latest information.

CAZ107-260700-
/O.UPG.KEKA.WS.A.0002.210126T2200Z-210127T2000Z/
/O.NEW.KEKA.WS.W.0002.210126T2200Z-210127T2000Z/
Northern Trinity-
300 PM PST Mon Jan 25 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM TUESDAY TO NOON PST
WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 12 to 
  24 inches. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph.

* WHERE...Northern Trinity County. This includes Highway 299 and 
  Highway 3 as well as the towns of Weaverville and Trinity 
  Center.

* WHEN...From 2 PM Tuesday to noon PST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The
  hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening
  commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. 

The latest road conditions for the state of California can be
obtained by calling 1-800-GAS-ROAD.

&&

$$

CAZ102-105-260700-
/O.UPG.KEKA.WS.A.0002.210126T2200Z-210127T2000Z/
/O.NEW.KEKA.WS.W.0002.210126T2200Z-210127T2000Z/
Del Norte Interior-Northern Humboldt Interior-
300 PM PST Mon Jan 25 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM TUESDAY TO NOON PST
WEDNESDAY ABOVE 1500 FEET...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected above 1500 feet. Total snow
  accumulations of 10 to 18 inches. Winds gusting as high as 50 
  mph.

* WHERE...Del Norte Interior and Northern Humboldt Interior. This
  includes Highway 299 at Berry and Lord Ellis summits as well 
  Highway 199 at the Collier Tunnel.

* WHEN...From 2 PM Tuesday to noon PST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The
  hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening
  commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. 

The latest road conditions for the state of California can be
obtained by calling 1-800-GAS-ROAD.

&&

$$

CAZ108-260700-
/O.UPG.KEKA.WS.A.0002.210126T2200Z-210127T2000Z/
/O.NEW.KEKA.WS.W.0002.210126T2200Z-210127T2000Z/
Southern Trinity-
300 PM PST Mon Jan 25 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM TUESDAY TO NOON PST
WEDNESDAY ABOVE 1500 FEET...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected above 1500 feet. Total snow
  accumulations of 10 to 20 inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 
  mph.

* WHERE...Southern Trinity County. This includes Highway 3 and 36
  and the town of Hayfork.

* WHEN...From 2 PM Tuesday to noon PST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The
  hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening
  commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. 

The latest road conditions for the state of California can be
obtained by calling 1-800-GAS-ROAD.

&&

$$

CAZ106-260700-
/O.UPG.KEKA.WS.A.0002.210126T2200Z-210127T2000Z/
/O.NEW.KEKA.WS.W.0002.210126T2200Z-210127T2000Z/
Southern Humboldt Interior-
300 PM PST Mon Jan 25 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM TUESDAY TO NOON PST
WEDNESDAY ABOVE 2000 FEET...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected above 2000 feet. Total snow
  accumulations of 10 to 20 inches. Winds gusting as high as 50 
  mph.

* WHERE...Southern Humboldt Interior. This includes Highway 36 
  near Dinsmore.

* WHEN...From 2 PM Tuesday to noon PST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The
  hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening
  commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. 

The latest road conditions for the state of California can be
obtained by calling 1-800-GAS-ROAD.

&&

$$

CAZ110-111-114-260700-
/O.UPG.KEKA.WS.A.0002.210126T2200Z-210127T2000Z/
/O.NEW.KEKA.WS.W.0002.210126T2200Z-210127T2000Z/
Northwestern Mendocino Interior-Northeastern Mendocino Interior-
Northern Lake County-
300 PM PST Mon Jan 25 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM TUESDAY TO NOON PST
WEDNESDAY ABOVE 2500 FEET...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected above 2500 feet. Total snow
  accumulations of 10 to 20 inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 
  mph.

* WHERE...Northwestern Mendocino Interior, Northeastern Mendocino
  Interior and Northern Lake County.

* WHEN...From 2 PM Tuesday to noon PST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The
  hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening
  commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. 

The latest road conditions for the state of California can be
obtained by calling 1-800-GAS-ROAD.

&&

$$

CAZ115-260700-
/O.NEW.KEKA.WW.Y.0005.210126T2200Z-210127T0800Z/
Southern Lake County-
300 PM PST Mon Jan 25 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM TUESDAY TO
MIDNIGHT PST TUESDAY NIGHT ABOVE 2500 FEET...

* WHAT...Snow expected above 2500 feet. Total snow accumulations
  of 2 to 4 inches. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph.

* WHERE...Southern Lake County County. This includes Hwy 175 near
  Cobb.

* WHEN...From 2 PM Tuesday to midnight PST Tuesday night.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The
  hazardous conditions could impact the evening commute. Gusty
  winds could bring down tree branches.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

The latest road conditions for the state of California can be
obtained by calling 1-800-GAS-ROAD.

&&

$$

The office that day

Everything else NWS Eureka, CA issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Jan 23, 8:31 PM PSTGale WarningEKA30 hr
Jan 24, 2:42 AM PSTWind AdvisoryEKAHumboldt, Mendocino15 hr

Nearby

Winter Storm Watches in California, 2021Every winter storm watch in 2021

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.