Station Name: Cape Mendocino, CA (094)
Station Type: Buoy
Data Source: National Data Buoy Center

Elevation Above Sea Level: 0 feet

Nearest Address:
Offshore
Petrolia, CA 95536
Humboldt County

GPS Coordinates: 40.295, -124.732

Nearby Water Temperatures

Hydrologic Outlook issued December 30 at 2:57PM PST by NWS Eureka CA

Effective: Tue December 30, 2025, 2:57 PM
Expires: Thu January 1, 2026, 10:00 PM

ESFEKA A series of atmospheric rivers will bring an increased risk for urban and small stream flooding late this week and into this weekend. The first round of rain will arrive Wednesday night into Thursday and provide generally light to moderate rainfall amounts. Locally heavy rain is expected in the King Range. This initial period of rain will set the stage for a more intense rainstorm expected to arrive Friday into Friday night. Current indications are for the heaviest rainfall to occur during the day on Friday into Friday night. The greatest risk for small stream flooding will occur during this time period and probably continue into Saturday after heavy rain has ended due to the lag in rainfall run-off. Road closures will be possible. At this point, the area of greatest concern is in southern Humboldt and northwest Mendocino counties. Small rivers, streams and creeks such as Elk river, Jacoby creek and Mattole river could exceed their banks and flood area roads. Southern Mendocino and Lake counties may also experience heavy rain and road flooding will be possible. Mainstem rivers will also likely rise sharply and will need to be monitored for possible flood stage exceedance. Be on the lookout for watches, advisories and warning as this next heavy rain event unfolds. Plan to avoid driving through areas that tend to flood.

Wind Advisory issued January 1 at 2:46PM PST until January 3 at 10:00PM PST by NWS Eureka CA

Effective: Thu January 1, 2026, 2:46 PM
Expires: Thu January 1, 2026, 11:00 PM

* WHAT...South winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected. Locally strongest over the higher terrain. * WHERE...Humboldt Interior. * WHEN...From 1 PM Friday to 10 PM PST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Wind gusts will be particularly strong along windward ridges.

Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.

Wind Advisory issued January 1 at 2:46PM PST until January 3 at 10:00PM PST by NWS Eureka CA

Effective: Thu January 1, 2026, 2:46 PM
Expires: Thu January 1, 2026, 11:00 PM

* WHAT...South winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected. Locally strongest over the higher terrain. * WHERE...Mendocino Coast and Northern Humboldt Coast. * WHEN...From 1 PM Friday to 10 PM PST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Wind gusts will be particularly strong along windward ridges.

Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.

High Wind Warning issued January 1 at 2:46PM PST until January 4 at 7:00AM PST by NWS Eureka CA

Effective: Thu January 1, 2026, 2:46 PM
Expires: Thu January 1, 2026, 11:00 PM

* WHAT...South winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 75 mph expected. * WHERE...Southwestern Humboldt around Cape Mendocino. * WHEN...From 7 AM Friday to 7 AM PST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Wind gusts will be particularly strong along windward ridges and exposed coastal headlands. There is an increased risk of tree branches and other debris on roadways.

People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind.

Flood Watch issued January 1 at 2:29PM PST until January 4 at 10:00PM PST by NWS Eureka CA

Effective: Thu January 1, 2026, 2:29 PM
Expires: Thu January 1, 2026, 10:30 PM

* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...A portion of northwest California, including the following areas, Mendocino Coast, Northeastern Mendocino Interior, Northern Humboldt Coast, Northern Humboldt Interior, Northern Lake, Northwestern Mendocino Interior, Southeastern Mendocino Interior, Southern Humboldt Interior, Southern Lake, Southern Trinity, Southwestern Humboldt and Southwestern Mendocino Interior. * WHEN...From Friday afternoon through Sunday evening. * IMPACTS...There will be an increased risk of rock and land slides along roadways. Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Widespread moderate to heavy rain from two consecutive strong weather systems will produce 2-4 inches of rainfall Friday afternoon through late Sunday. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.

Flood Watch issued January 1 at 10:24PM PST until January 4 at 10:00PM PST by NWS Eureka CA

Effective: Thu January 1, 2026, 10:24 PM
Expires: Fri January 2, 2026, 12:00 PM

* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...A portion of northwest California, including the following areas, Mendocino Coast, Northeastern Mendocino Interior, Northern Humboldt Coast, Northern Humboldt Interior, Northern Lake, Northwestern Mendocino Interior, Southeastern Mendocino Interior, Southern Humboldt Interior, Southern Lake, Southern Trinity, Southwestern Humboldt and Southwestern Mendocino Interior. * WHEN...From Friday afternoon through Sunday evening. * IMPACTS...There will be an increased risk of rock and land slides along roadways. Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Widespread moderate to heavy rain from two consecutive strong weather systems will produce 2-4 inches of rainfall Friday afternoon through late Sunday. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.

Coastal Flood Warning issued January 1 at 7:22PM PST until January 2 at 12:00PM PST by NWS Eureka CA

Effective: Thu January 1, 2026, 7:22 PM
Expires: Fri January 2, 2026, 3:30 AM

* WHAT...For the Coastal Flood Warning, High astronomical tides and large surf will cause moderate to major flooding in low lying areas along the Redwood, around Humboldt Coast, and Mendocino Coast. Up to one half foot of saltwater inundation above ground level is possible in low lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. Between 9.1 and 9.4 feet MLLW at the Crescent City tide gauge is predicted. Between 9.8 and 10.1 feet MLLW at the north spit tide gauge is predicted. Between 8.3 to 8.6 feet MLLW at the Pt Arena tide gauge is predicted. For the Coastal Flood Watch, High astronomical tides and large surf may cause moderate/major flooding in low lying areas along the Redwood, around Humboldt Coast, and Mendocino Coast. Up to one half foot of saltwater inundation above ground level is possible in low lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. * WHERE...Coastal Del Norte, Northern Humboldt Coast, Southwestern Humboldt and Mendocino Coast Counties. * WHEN...For the Coastal Flood Warning, from 7 AM to noon PST Friday. For the Coastal Flood Watch, from Saturday morning through Sunday afternoon. High tide is at 8:54 am at PT Arena tide gauge, at 9:41 am at the Crescent City tide gauge, and at 9:53 am at the Humboldt Bay North Spit tide gauge. Saltwater inundation will be possible 1 to 2 hours before and after high tide. * IMPACTS...Several coastal roads may be closed. Low lying property and some critical infrastructure will be inundated. These impacts will include, but not limited to, roadways in King Salmon and the Arcata bottoms, and sections of highway 1 and 101. Shoreline erosion will occur.

A Coastal Flood Warning means that flooding is occurring or imminent. Coastal residents in the warned area should be alert for rising water and take appropriate action to protect life and property. Feet Above Ground is locally defined as feet above the Highest Astronomical Tide or HAT.

Coastal Flood Watch issued January 1 at 7:22PM PST until January 4 at 2:00PM PST by NWS Eureka CA

Effective: Thu January 1, 2026, 7:22 PM
Expires: Fri January 2, 2026, 3:30 AM

* WHAT...For the Coastal Flood Warning, High astronomical tides and large surf will cause moderate to major flooding in low lying areas along the Redwood, around Humboldt Coast, and Mendocino Coast. Up to one half foot of saltwater inundation above ground level is possible in low lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. Between 9.1 and 9.4 feet MLLW at the Crescent City tide gauge is predicted. Between 9.8 and 10.1 feet MLLW at the north spit tide gauge is predicted. Between 8.3 to 8.6 feet MLLW at the Pt Arena tide gauge is predicted. For the Coastal Flood Watch, High astronomical tides and large surf may cause moderate/major flooding in low lying areas along the Redwood, around Humboldt Coast, and Mendocino Coast. Up to one half foot of saltwater inundation above ground level is possible in low lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. * WHERE...Coastal Del Norte, Northern Humboldt Coast, Southwestern Humboldt and Mendocino Coast Counties. * WHEN...For the Coastal Flood Warning, from 7 AM to noon PST Friday. For the Coastal Flood Watch, from Saturday morning through Sunday afternoon. High tide is at 8:54 am at PT Arena tide gauge, at 9:41 am at the Crescent City tide gauge, and at 9:53 am at the Humboldt Bay North Spit tide gauge. Saltwater inundation will be possible 1 to 2 hours before and after high tide. * IMPACTS...Several coastal roads may be closed. Low lying property and some critical infrastructure will be inundated. These impacts will include, but not limited to, roadways in King Salmon and the Arcata bottoms, and sections of highway 1 and 101. Shoreline erosion will occur.

A Coastal Flood Warning means that flooding is occurring or imminent. Coastal residents in the warned area should be alert for rising water and take appropriate action to protect life and property. Feet Above Ground is locally defined as feet above the Highest Astronomical Tide or HAT.

Coastal Flood Watch issued January 2 at 3:30AM PST until January 4 at 2:00PM PST by NWS Eureka CA

Effective: Fri January 2, 2026, 3:30 AM
Expires: Fri January 2, 2026, 12:00 PM

* WHAT...For the Coastal Flood Warning, High astronomical tides and large surf will cause moderate to major flooding in low lying areas along the Del Norte Coast, Humboldt Coast and Mendocino Coast. Up to one half foot of saltwater inundation above ground level is possible in low lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. Between 9.1 and 9.4 feet MLLW at the Crescent City tide gauge is predicted. Between 9.8 and 10.1 feet MLLW at the north spit tide gauge is predicted. Between 8.3 to 8.6 feet MLLW at the Pt Arena tide gauge is predicted. For the Coastal Flood Watch, High astronomical tides and large surf may cause moderate/major flooding in low lying areas along the Del Norte Coast, Humboldt Coast, and Mendocino Coast. Up to one half foot of saltwater inundation above ground level is possible in low lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. * WHERE...Coastal Del Norte, Northern Humboldt Coast, Southwestern Humboldt and Mendocino Coast Counties. * WHEN...For the Coastal Flood Warning, from 7 AM to noon PST Friday. For the Coastal Flood Watch, from Saturday morning through Sunday afternoon. High tide is at 8:54 am at PT Arena tide gauge, at 9:41 am at the Crescent City tide gauge, and at 9:53 am at the Humboldt Bay North Spit tide gauge. Saltwater inundation will be possible 1 to 2 hours before and after high tide. * IMPACTS...Several coastal roads may be closed. Low lying property and some critical infrastructure will be inundated. These impacts will include, but not limited to, roadways in King Salmon and the Arcata bottoms, and sections of highway 1 and 101. Shoreline erosion will occur.

A Coastal Flood Warning means that flooding is occurring or imminent. Coastal residents in the warned area should be alert for rising water and take appropriate action to protect life and property. Feet Above Ground is locally defined as feet above the Highest Astronomical Tide or HAT.

Coastal Flood Warning issued January 2 at 3:30AM PST until January 2 at 12:00PM PST by NWS Eureka CA

Effective: Fri January 2, 2026, 3:30 AM
Expires: Fri January 2, 2026, 12:00 PM

* WHAT...For the Coastal Flood Warning, High astronomical tides and large surf will cause moderate to major flooding in low lying areas along the Del Norte Coast, Humboldt Coast and Mendocino Coast. Up to one half foot of saltwater inundation above ground level is possible in low lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. Between 9.1 and 9.4 feet MLLW at the Crescent City tide gauge is predicted. Between 9.8 and 10.1 feet MLLW at the north spit tide gauge is predicted. Between 8.3 to 8.6 feet MLLW at the Pt Arena tide gauge is predicted. For the Coastal Flood Watch, High astronomical tides and large surf may cause moderate/major flooding in low lying areas along the Del Norte Coast, Humboldt Coast, and Mendocino Coast. Up to one half foot of saltwater inundation above ground level is possible in low lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. * WHERE...Coastal Del Norte, Northern Humboldt Coast, Southwestern Humboldt and Mendocino Coast Counties. * WHEN...For the Coastal Flood Warning, from 7 AM to noon PST Friday. For the Coastal Flood Watch, from Saturday morning through Sunday afternoon. High tide is at 8:54 am at PT Arena tide gauge, at 9:41 am at the Crescent City tide gauge, and at 9:53 am at the Humboldt Bay North Spit tide gauge. Saltwater inundation will be possible 1 to 2 hours before and after high tide. * IMPACTS...Several coastal roads may be closed. Low lying property and some critical infrastructure will be inundated. These impacts will include, but not limited to, roadways in King Salmon and the Arcata bottoms, and sections of highway 1 and 101. Shoreline erosion will occur.

A Coastal Flood Warning means that flooding is occurring or imminent. Coastal residents in the warned area should be alert for rising water and take appropriate action to protect life and property. Feet Above Ground is locally defined as feet above the Highest Astronomical Tide or HAT.

Wind Advisory issued January 1 at 10:47PM PST until January 3 at 10:00PM PST by NWS Eureka CA

Effective: Thu January 1, 2026, 10:47 PM
Expires: Fri January 2, 2026, 7:00 AM

* WHAT...South winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected. Locally stronger over the higher terrain. * WHERE...Mendocino Coast and Northern Humboldt Coast. * WHEN...From 1 PM Friday to 10 PM PST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Wind gusts will be particularly strong along windward ridges.

Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.

Wind Advisory issued January 1 at 10:47PM PST until January 3 at 10:00PM PST by NWS Eureka CA

Effective: Thu January 1, 2026, 10:47 PM
Expires: Fri January 2, 2026, 7:00 AM

* WHAT...South winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected. Locally stronger over the higher terrain. * WHERE...Humboldt Interior. * WHEN...From 1 PM Friday to 10 PM PST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Wind gusts will be particularly strong along windward ridges.

Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.

High Wind Warning issued January 1 at 10:47PM PST until January 4 at 7:00AM PST by NWS Eureka CA

Effective: Thu January 1, 2026, 10:47 PM
Expires: Fri January 2, 2026, 7:00 AM

* WHAT...South winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 80 mph expected. * WHERE...Southwestern Humboldt around Cape Mendocino. * WHEN...From 7 AM Friday to 7 AM PST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Wind gusts will be particularly strong along windward ridges and exposed coastal headlands. There is an increased risk of tree branches and other debris on roadways.

People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind.