Full Notification

P R E S S R E L E A S E
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COUNTY OF SONOMA
575 Administration Drive ∙ Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Phone (707) 565-2431 ∙ Fax (707) 565-3778
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: January 10, 2017

Contact: Rebecca Wachsberg (707) 565-3782
[email protected]

County Storm Update: Advisory Evacuation Notice
County opens Emergency Operations Center, begins voluntary evacuations of anticipated flood areas

SANTA ROSA, California – The latest forecast from the California Nevada River Forecast Center is indicating that the Russian River will reach minor flood stages at 10 pm tonight, January 8th. It is anticipated that the Russian River will peak at 12 noon on Monday, January 9th, at a crest of 38.1 feet, and is anticipated to remain at or above flood levels through 10 am on Tuesday, January 10th.

Evacuation and Shelter Information
The County issued advisory evacuation notices to the low lying areas of Monte Rio and Guerneville on Sunday afternoon. Shelter is available at the Santa Rosa Veterans Building, and domestic animal companions in crates are welcome.

Transportation will be provided from the Russian River area to the Santa Rosa Veterans Building (1351 Maple Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95404). Transportation pick-up is available at the Mirabel Park and Ride, and Guerneville Safeway parking lot, and can be requested by calling 707-585-7541.

Power Outages
PG&E reports that approximately 10,640 Sonoma County homes are currently without power. The primary impacted area are in West County and some smaller areas in North Eastern Santa Rosa. PG&E remains fully staffed and crews are actively making repairs. Information about power outages may be found at https://m.pge.com/#outages.

Road Closures
All drivers are encouraged to observe road closures and use detour routes. Road closures and restrictions information for the unincorporated areas can be found at http://roadconditions.sonoma-county.org/. Please call TPW at 707-565-5100 to report a road obstruction during business hours, and the Sheriff’s Office at 707-565-2511 after hours.

At this time, no significant injuries have been reported in Sonoma County. The County will continue to monitor the impacts from the storm, and provide updated information as it becomes available. The County will also continue to post new information to its website http://sonomacounty.ca.gov/Public-Safety/, including information on shelters, power outages, road closures, safety information, and sandbag locations.

Flood Safety Tips:
• Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
• Avoid walking or driving through flood waters
• Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and 2 feet of water can sweep your vehicle away.
• If there is a chance of flash flooding, move immediately to higher ground. Flash floods are the #1 cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S.
• If floodwaters rise around your car but the water is not moving, abandon the car and move to higher ground. Remain in the car if the water is moving.
• Avoid camping or parking along streams, rivers, and creeks during heavy rainfall. These areas can flood quickly and with little warning.

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The County of Sonoma is comprised of 27 departments and agencies that provide a full range of services to the community. It encompasses over 1600 square miles and is home to 500,000 residents. Sonoma County government has a history of providing excellent and responsive public service while operating under sound fiscal principles.
Located less than one hour north of San Francisco, Sonoma County combines in one location the beautiful Pacific coastline, award-winning wineries, majestic redwoods, historic towns, fine dining, and a wide variety of entertainment and cultural activities.