Thunderstorms formed in far Northern California and Southern Oregon during the 2nd week of April. At least two storms became severe in the Eureka service area with hail reported in the Orleans area and strong wind gusts over the mountains.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS EKA wrote it up.
Thunderstorms formed in far Northern California and Southern Oregon during the 2nd week of April. At least two storms became severe in the Eureka service area with hail reported in the Orleans area and strong wind gusts over the mountains.
The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Eureka, CA wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Apr 9, 10:50 AM PST, 1 hour 40 minutes earlier.
AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION National Weather Service Eureka CA 1150 AM PDT Thu Apr 9 2026 .SYNOPSIS...Showers and thunderstorms continue through Friday. Thunderstorms may be strong to severe today. Cooler and wetter weather arrives Saturday, bringing widespread rain and mountain snow. && .DISCUSSION...A closed low currently located off the coast of northern California will slowly continue to move towards the area today and Friday. Showers and thunderstorms have already started to develop across the area. Thunder may be heard even from the Humboldt and Del Norte coasts! For the interior, thunderstorms could become strong to severe with high CAPE of 1000 to 1500 J/kg and effective bulk shear of 30 to 40 kts. These ingredients for storms to become organized and potentially severe. Organized storms could support large hail (quarter sized or larger in diameter) and strong, gusty winds up to 60 mph. Weak rotation may also develop with the more organized storms, meaning the risk for a funnel cloud or weak tornado is nonzero(!), but still very low. These strong storms will likely not be widespread, but numerous storms are likely to have small hail and gusty winds. On top of the wind, hail, and frequent lightning, heavy downpours are likely with these storms. Should training showers develop, leading to heavy rainfall localized over the same area, flash flooding could develop. Localized areas of 1- 2+" of rain are possible today within these training cells. Outside these areas, 0.10-0.75" is expected. The low slowly moves southeast tonight into Friday and will be just off the coast of Mendocino or Sonoma Counties by Friday morning. Showers and afternoon thunderstorms are likely again Friday, with the most activity for the interior. Some coastal thunder can't be ruled out, but it would be more likely today. Storms are looking a little weaker Thursday, but still frequent lightning, small hail, and gusty winds up to 40 mph are possible. Heavy rainfall in localized areas with rain rates of over 0.5" an hour is possible again. Flash flooding is possible within areas of training showers. Wet and cooler weather continues on Saturday as an upstream and much colder trough and closed low comes barreling down from the NW and kicks/absorbs the first low. Most all the models have trended much wetter for this storm system, which will include high mountain snow and a period of gusty to perhaps locally strong southerly winds around and south of Cape Mendocino and through Lake County. NBM chances for over an inch of rainfall in 24 hours are high for much of the region (60-80%). Chances for over 2 inches are also high in the King Range and the mountains of Del Norte and southern Trinity. This low looks to be quite dynamic regarding forcing and associated instability. A convective band or line of moderate to locally heavy rainfall and some thunderstorms will be possible, especially given the preceding saturated column and high precipitable water values. Snow levels drop to around 3500 to 4000 ft by Saturday night. NBM is showing around a 40% chance for over 4" of snow on Highway 3 at Scott Mountain Pass and a 15% chance on Highway 36 at South Fork Mountain. Cold temperatures aloft could support instability near the coast, bringing showers with thunderstorms and possibly some small hail. This will need to be watched as we get closer to this event. NBM has low to moderate chances (25%) for snow levels below 3500 ft late Saturday through Sunday. Lower snow levels are possible depending on the track of the low. Much colder temperatures are likely during and and behind this frontal passage. Near-freezing to sub-freezing temperatures are forecast, especially Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday mornings.Frost advisories and/or freeze warnings might be needed. Looking towards next week, about half of ensemble members show at least weak ridging developing by mid next week, with the other half showing the continuation of the troughing (wet) pattern. Stay tuned! JB && .AVIATION...(09/18Z TAFs)...Isolated SHRA (showers) continue moving northward as a closed low approaches the area. Scattered to numerous SHRA and possible VCTS (thunderstorms in the vicinity) are expected between 09/20Z-10/04 for all TAF sites, especially for the coastal terminals. Expect mostly MVFR conditions with SHRA, dropping to IFR/LIFR conditions with periods of heavy rain to impact the coastal terminals. While periods of MVFR conditions with SHRA are expected for UKI this afternoon. Expect gusty and erratic winds and possible hail any TSRA (thunderstorm). SHRA activity is expected to gradually diminish after 10/04Z, followed by scattered SHRA after 10/12Z. /ZVS && .MARINE....A closed low pressure is approaching the area promoting light and variable winds across the waters. However, scattered to numerous showers and isolated thunderstorms moving northward should produce gusty winds. The strongest storms have the potential of produce erratic gusty winds, small hail and lightning strikes. There are some small swells moving through the waters, but these are generally Friday, gentle to moderate southerly breezes is expect as the current low moves closer to nearshore. For the weekend a stronger area of low pressure is expected and this has the potential to bring stronger winds. The strength, timing and location remain highly uncertain due to low confidence on the track of the low. Monday high pressure starts to build into the area and moderate to strong northerly winds return. /ZVS & MKK && .EKA WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... CA... None. NORTHWEST CALIFORNIA COASTAL WATERS... None. && NOTE: The full forecast discussion is now regularly issued between 10 am/pm and 1 pm/am. Additional updates will be issued as needed. Visit us at https://www.weather.gov/eureka Follow us on Facebook and Twitter at: https://www.facebook.com/NWSEureka https://www.twitter.com/NWSEureka For forecast zone information see the forecast zone map online: https://www.weather.gov/images/eka/zonemap.png
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Eureka CA
1159 AM PDT Thu Apr 9 2026
CAZ108-091930-
Southern Trinity CA-
1159 AM PDT Thu Apr 9 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT WEST CENTRAL TRINITY COUNTY
UNTIL 1230 PM PDT...
At 1159 AM PDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 6
miles south of Peanut, or 13 miles south of Hayfork, moving northwest
at 15 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 30 mph and pea size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Hayfork, Peanut and Forest Glen.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Monitor the weather situation closely and be alert for threatening
weather conditions.
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
&&
LAT...LON 4038 12303 4030 12325 4054 12349 4068 12311
4067 12311 4066 12310 4066 12311 4063 12308
TIME...MOT...LOC 1859Z 156DEG 10KT 4038 12316
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...30 MPH
ZVSSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Eureka CA
1204 PM PDT Thu Apr 9 2026
CAZ105-107-091930-
Northern Humboldt Interior CA-Northern Trinity CA-
1204 PM PDT Thu Apr 9 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHEASTERN HUMBOLDT AND
NORTHWESTERN TRINITY COUNTIES UNTIL 1230 PM PDT...
At 1204 PM PDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 5
miles east of Hoopa, moving north at 20 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and pea size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Hoopa and Weitchpec.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Monitor the weather situation closely and be alert for threatening
weather conditions.
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
&&
LAT...LON 4094 12347 4106 12378 4136 12384 4127 12344
4125 12344 4124 12345 4122 12343 4116 12339
4115 12338 4116 12335 4115 12333
TIME...MOT...LOC 1904Z 194DEG 17KT 4106 12357
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
ZVSSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Eureka CA
1218 PM PDT Thu Apr 9 2026
CAZ107-108-091945-
Southern Trinity CA-Northern Trinity CA-
1218 PM PDT Thu Apr 9 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT WEST CENTRAL TRINITY COUNTY
UNTIL 1245 PM PDT...
At 1218 PM PDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Hyampom, or 14 miles northwest of Hayfork, moving north at 20 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and half inch size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Del Loma, Big Bar, Burnt Ranch, Hyampom and Helena.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Monitor the weather situation closely and be alert for threatening
weather conditions.
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
&&
LAT...LON 4077 12351 4092 12349 4092 12348 4093 12348
4093 12347 4094 12347 4094 12345 4095 12344
4088 12307 4057 12324 4058 12353
TIME...MOT...LOC 1917Z 194DEG 17KT 4065 12337
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
ZVSSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Eureka CA
1229 PM PDT Thu Apr 9 2026
CAZ105-092000-
Northern Humboldt Interior CA-
1229 PM PDT Thu Apr 9 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHEASTERN HUMBOLDT COUNTY
UNTIL 1 PM PDT...
At 1229 PM PDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 7
miles south of Orleans, moving north at 20 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and half inch size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Orleans.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Monitor the weather situation closely and be alert for threatening
weather conditions.
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
&&
LAT...LON 4113 12343 4119 12368 4138 12361 4138 12350
4137 12347 4135 12348 4133 12348 4132 12346
4128 12346 4127 12344 4125 12344 4124 12345
4122 12343 4121 12343 4117 12340 4118 12341
4116 12343
TIME...MOT...LOC 1928Z 194DEG 17KT 4121 12352
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
ZVSSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Eureka CA
1249 PM PDT Thu Apr 9 2026
CAZ107-108-092015-
Southern Trinity CA-Northern Trinity CA-
1249 PM PDT Thu Apr 9 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT WEST CENTRAL TRINITY COUNTY
UNTIL 115 PM PDT...
At 1249 PM PDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Del Loma, or 17 miles southeast of Willow Creek, moving north at 20
mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 30 mph and pea size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Del Loma, Burnt Ranch and Big Bar.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Monitor the weather situation closely and be alert for threatening
weather conditions.
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
&&
LAT...LON 4094 12357 4095 12357 4095 12356 4094 12354
4093 12354 4093 12353 4092 12351 4092 12348
4093 12347 4094 12347 4094 12345 4095 12344
4094 12323 4071 12325 4070 12350
TIME...MOT...LOC 1949Z 179DEG 15KT 4075 12338
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...30 MPH
ZVSSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Eureka CA
120 PM PDT Thu Apr 9 2026
CAZ107-108-092045-
Southern Trinity CA-Northern Trinity CA-
120 PM PDT Thu Apr 9 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT CENTRAL TRINITY COUNTY UNTIL 145
PM PDT...
At 120 PM PDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 13
miles south of Douglas City, or 13 miles southeast of Hayfork, moving
north at 15 mph.
HAZARD...Pea size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible.
Locations impacted include...
Hayfork and Douglas City.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Monitor the weather situation closely and be alert for threatening
weather conditions.
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
&&
LAT...LON 4068 12308 4067 12278 4051 12279 4051 12285
4049 12285 4047 12288 4045 12290 4045 12293
4044 12294 4043 12294 4042 12295 4043 12296
4042 12297 4042 12304
TIME...MOT...LOC 2020Z 179DEG 13KT 4047 12293
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...<30 MPH
ZVSThe Eureka (Bunker Hill) radar (KBHX), 109 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 20:28 UTC.
1 hail, 1 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
A severe thunderstorm developed over the Trinity Alps Wilderness and moved north over Orleans. Numerous reports of hail were received with pea to nickel sized hail generally reported. One report was received of 1 inch hail stones near the Orleans store. Hail was covering the ground in the community.
Ship Mountain RAWS reported a wind gust to 65 mph as thunderstorms moved through the area.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in California in 2026Every state in 2026This day in weather historyWarnings in California, April 2026
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 1328480, 1328481.