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Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Emergency

Deputies Rescue Snow Trapped Trio Amid Treacherous Conditions

Posted By Kimberly Wear @kimberly_wear on Wed, Jan 27, 2021 at 2:16 PM

click to enlarge

HCSO
Scenes from the rescue.

Humboldt County Sheriff's Office deputies came to the rescue early this morning after three motorist became snowed in on Mattole Road near Bull Creek during the winter storm.

Using special snow equipment, deputies made their way through dangerous conditions, traversing miles of road and having to remove down trees and powerlines along the way, before reaching the trapped trio some four after the sheriff's office first received a call from Calfire requesting its help in the search and rescue.

"At approximately 3 a.m., January 27, deputies reached the motorists, who were found to be uninjured and in good health. The motorists were transported to safety, the release states.

Meanwhile, the region is not out of the weather woods yet, with road closures continuing, including U.S. Highway 101 north of Willits and State Route 169 is closed in Humboldt County 2 miles south of Pecwan. There is no estimated time for reopening at this time.

The county also reports that Titlow Hill has seen 16 inches of snow and chains are required.

U.S. 101 remains closed in Mendocino County from Cummings to Reynolds Highway, north of Willits, due to stranded and stuck big rigs and cars, and fallen power lines and trees. No estimated time for reopening. We appreciate your patience as we work to reopen the highway. pic.twitter.com/2nfxfib9NE
— Caltrans District 1 (@CaltransDist1) January 27, 2021

Read the HCSO release below:

On Jan. 26, 2021, at about 11 p.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office received a request for assistance from CAL FIRE with a search and rescue of three motorists stranded along Mattole Road near Bull Creek due to severe weather conditions and several roadblocks. The Sheriff’s Office’s Special Services Division was dispatched to assist. Utilizing specialized snow equipment, deputies navigated several miles of snow in treacherous conditions, clearing dozens of downed trees and powerlines as they worked their way towards the stranded motorists. At approximately 3 a.m., January 27, deputies reached the motorists, who were found to be uninjured and in good health. The motorists were transported to safety. The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the agencies who assisted and collaborated in this search and rescue, including CAL FIRE, the United States Coast Guard, Pacific Gas and Electric Company and Humboldt County Roads Division. Mattole Road at Bull Creek is currently closed due to fallen trees and power lines across the roadway. For current road conditions, visit: Humboldt County Road Conditions Caltrans Quick Map According to the National Weather Service, additional snow and rain are expected today with winds of up to 45 miles per hour this evening. Residents are asked to avoid unnecessary travel while these winter weather conditions persist. If you must travel, be sure to bring an emergency kit containing food, water, extra warm clothes, blankets and a flashlight with extra batteries. Additionally, if you have a cell phone, make sure it is charged and consider bringing a portable battery pack with you. In case of emergency, call 9-1-1.