Flood Warning Issued For Russian River At Johnson's Beach

SONOMA COUNTY, CA ? Forecasters expected the Russian River to flood Tuesday as an atmospheric river brought heavy rain and strong winds to the North Bay and greater Bay Area.

The National Weather Service issued a flood warning for the Russian River at Johnsons Beach at Guerneville, affecting Sonoma County, including Healdsburg. The warning ? upgraded from an earlier flood watch? takes effect late Tuesday night and continues until further notice.

"In a significant change to the forecast, the Russian River at Guerneville is now expected to reach minor flood stage Wednesday morning as more water than expected has entered the upper Russian," the National Weather Service said early Tuesday. "In addition to streams and rivers, several reports have been coming in of urban and roadway flooding as heavier bands of rain push through. This is expected to continue through Tuesday."

By 7 a.m. Tuesday, the waters of the Russian River were at 23.8 feet, the weather service said. Flood occurs when the waters reach 32 feet, which is forecast to happen just after midnight Tuesday into Wednesday. The river is expected to rise to 32.7 feet Wednesday morning, with additional rises possible thereafter.

At 32 feet, weather officials predict flooding of Lower Mill Street in Guerneville and Old Bohemian Highway in Monte Rio. At 32.5 feet, weather officials predict the closure of the intersection of state Highway 116 and Neeley Road in Guerneville and Mays Canyon Road by the old rodeo grounds.

Elsewhere in Sonoma County, the Green Valley Creek at Martinelli Road reached moderate flood stage early Tuesday and was continuing to rise, confirming a flood warning for central Sonoma County.

Rain rates were forecast to increase significantly Tuesday, with 3-4 inches forecast in the North Bay. There was also an increasing chance for thunderstorms Tuesday afternoon.

A break in the rain is expected Wednesday but won't last long.

"The next system looks a good deal weaker than the current atmospheric river, with less rain and lighter winds," the weather service said. "Outside of the coastal mountains, most areas are forecast to receive a more manageable amount of rain between 1/2 inch to 1 inch."

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