Russian River Flooding Prompts Mandatory Evacuations

SONOMA COUNTY, CA ? Evacuation orders were in effect early Wednesday for low-lying areas along the Russian River from unincorporated Healdsburg to Jenner.

As an atmospheric river dumped heavy rains on Sonoma County and the Bay Area, the river was expected to flood. Once the river levels reach 36 feet, which it was projected to do at 7 a.m. Wednesday, everyone in the following areas was expected to be under mandatory evacuation orders, the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office said.

Once the waters reach the levels listed below, the sheriff's office said residents of the respective areas should evacuate.

• 32 feet - Lower Mill Street in Guerneville and Old Bohemian Highway in Monte Rio.
• 32.5 feet - In Guerneville the intersection of Highway 116 and Neeley Road is closed. Mays Canyon Road by the old rodeo grounds is closed.
• 33 feet - In Guerneville the intersection of Highway 116 and Drake Road is closed. In Monte Rio Willow and Alder Streets flood. In Forestville Mirabel Trailer Park begins to flood.
• 34 feet - In Guerneville flooding begins at Johnsons Resort, Parkers Resort, Creekside Resort and Riverside Park. In Northwood, lower Redwood Drive begins to flood.
• 35 feet - Numerous businesses and residences in the lowest sections of towns along the Russian River are expected to flood. In Guerneville Brookside Resort begins to flood. More extensive flooding occurs at Parkers Resort. In Northwood lower Redwood Drive floods.
• 36 feet - In Forestville, Mirabel Park Resort and Mirabel Trailer Park flood. In Guerneville, Fern Road at Highway 116 floods.

See a map of the areas under evacuation orders.

"Be sure to take essential items, such as medicines with you," the sheriff's office said. "If you live above the 36-foot level, your access may be reduced or eliminated due to flood waters. The flooding predictions may change as the storm progresses. A temporary evacuation point is available at the Santa Rosa Vet?s Hall, west parking lot, located at 1351 Maple Avenue, Santa Rosa."

Residents can call 211 or visit the county's website for more information.

City Of Healdsburg

Officials with the city of Healdsburg urged caution as heavy rains led to localized flooding in several parts of the city.

The city advised Tuesday night that the Russian River was expected to crest just below minor flood stage ?21.93 feet ?at 9 p.m. This was expected to cause flooding in low-lying areas along the river.

"Remain vigilant and take necessary precautions," the city said. "Move cars to higher ground. Use sandbags around low-lying doorways to prevent flooding in your home/business. Avoid driving through standing water."

According to the National Weather Service, the Russian River at Ballhache Avenue west of Camp Rose reached 21.66 feet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at which point it began to recede. At 3:15 a.m. Wednesday, the river was at 19.54 feet at Ballhache Avenue.

If the river reached 23 feet, the weather service predicted minor flooding of farmland and banks in rural areas along the reach of the gage. If the water rose to 25 feet, low-lying areas south of U.S. Highway 101 would begin to see minor flooding.

Here are the additional scenarios if the river were to rise higher:

• 30 feet: Major to disastrous flooding along the reach of the gage occurs. Major flooding occurs in the agricultural sections of Alexander Valley.
• 29 feet: Major flooding along the reach of the gage will occur. Homes, businesses and secondary roads in the lower sections of Healdsburg will begin to flood. The lower areas of Alexander Valley will begin to flood.
• 27 feet: Moderate flooding along the reach of the gage will occur. Some secondary roads south of US 101 will have minor to moderate flooding.

Tuesday there was flooding east of University Street, north of Tucker Street and south of Badger Street, the city said. Additional flooding was reported along Center Street and in the Riverside community. Heavy rains also prompted the closure of Bridle Path in front of Barbieri Park.

The city's website has more information on this emergency.

RELATED:

• Home Slides Into Russian River In Forestville
• Flood Warning Issued For Russian River At Johnson's Beach

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