Sheriff Honsal declares local emergency as winter storm impacts Humboldt County

EUREKA, Calif. — Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal has declared a local emergency due to the continued impacts of winter storms along the North Coast.

In a press release, the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office stated that the storms have left county resources exhausted as they deal with blocked and flooded roadways, damaged structures, snowfall and more.

Officials also noted that upcoming storms could additional risk to residents due to downed trees, power outages and potential flooding.

By declaring an emergency, the county can seek both state and federalreimbursement for damage repairs. Humboldt County is also reportedly seeking recovery assistance from theCalifornia Public Utilities Commission, as well as any funding available under theCalifornia Disaster Assistance Act and the federal Stafford Act.