We’re starting 2026 much the way we ended 2025–with the threat of heavy rain, high winds, and coastal flooding. The National Weather Service says the chances for moderate to perhaps locally major coastal flooding increase later today through Saturday and likely into next week. This heavy rain could easily result in small stream flooding and even main stem rivers reaching critical flood levels. Because of that, a flood watch has been issued for Mendocino and Lake counties starting at 4 PM. Wind advisories starting at 1 PM are out for all coastal areas and coastal ridge tops through Mendocino and Lake Counties as well. There may be a quick hit of stronger winds to warning levels on the ridgetops near Cape Mendocino, and a high wind watch is in effect for that area. Coastal areas could see a major storm surge with models’ high tide up to 10.3 ft on Saturday, and 9.8 ft on Sunday, with the potential for even higher tides.