Winter Storm Flooding Shuts Multiple Humboldt County Roads

Humboldt County Public Works issued an update on Jan. 4 at 4:00 p.m. listing numerous flooded and closed roads following winter rains that inundated low-lying and ocean-adjacent streets. The notice named flooded locations at Pine Hill Road at Elk River Road and the Elk River Slough bridge, Cannibal Road on Cannibal Island, Camp Weott Road, Ambrosini Lane, Vance Avenue between Highway 255 and Cookhouse Road, and Mad River Road near Tye City.

The county also reported road closures affecting travel around the region. Closed roads included Jackson Ranch Road north of Samoa Boulevard, Lanphere Road near Seidel Road, Hookton Road and Eel River Drive, and multiple streets in King Salmon. Several ocean-adjacent streets were listed among those impacted, including Perch, Crab, Sole, Herring and Cod streets, as well as Buhne Drive. Meridian Road was closed between mile 0.5 and mile 0.9, and Coffee Creek Road was closed between mile 1.00 and mile 1.25.

These disruptions carried immediate consequences for residents who rely on the affected corridors for commuting, school runs, deliveries and access to health and emergency services. Closures on routes serving river crossings and oceanfront neighborhoods can complicate detours and extend travel times for residents and emergency responders alike. Local businesses that depend on routine deliveries and customers may also face delays while municipal crews assess and repair damage.

The county notice encouraged residents to sign up for official alerts, check Caltrans QuickMap for conditions on state highways, and follow Humboldt County channels for further updates. Those measures were presented as the primary ways for individuals to track changing conditions and plan safer travel. Residents were advised to refrain from driving through flooded roadways and to heed posted closures while Public Works crews cleared debris and assessed structural concerns.

While the Jan. 4 update cataloged the most immediate impacts, the county emphasized that conditions can change quickly during the winter storm season. Residents were advised to monitor official county communications for reopening announcements and additional safety guidance as crews work to restore safe passage on affected roads.