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 9, 2017

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

County Storm Update
Emergency Operations Center continues
advisory evacuations of anticipated flood areas

SANTA ROSA, CA – According to the California Nevada River Forecast Center, the Russian River reached flood stage (32 feet) at 1 am this morning. It is anticipated that the Russian River will peak today at 2 pm, at a crest of 35.2 feet. The Russian River is anticipated to remain at flood levels through 3 am on Tuesday, January 10th.

The California Nevada River Forecast Center predicts a second storm tomorrow with high winds of up to 45 miles per hour with moderate flooding on Wednesday January 11th. While these models are frequently adjusted as the storm approaches, the current forecast indicates that the Russian River will reach flood stage at 6 am on Wednesday, and crest at 34.9 feet at 5 pm. The River is expected to recede below flood stage on Thursday, January 12th, at 5 am.

Evacuation and Shelter Information
The County issued advisory evacuation notices to the low lying areas of Monte Rio and Guerneville on Sunday afternoon. Recent flood modeling predicts that approxamitely 550 households are impacted when the Russian River reaches 35 feet. 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 in Santa Rosa). 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 3,300 Sonoma County homes are currently without power. Throughout the storm, PG&E has restored power to over 15,500 households since Saturday.
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/. As of midmorning, Transportation and Public Works has reopened 16 roads, and continues to monitor and maintain 23 existing closures. 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.

Damages Reporting
If you have structural safety concerns regarding your home or business due to damages from the recent storm, please use SoCo Report It (available on the app stores for iPhones and Androids) to contact the Permit and Resource Management Department for an inspection. If no internet service is available, please call 2-1-1. The County is asking that residents and business owners report all incidences of structural real property damage, and all personal property damage over $1,000.

Additional Information
The County will also continue to post new information on shelters, power outages, road closures, safety information, and sandbag locations to its website at: http://sonomacounty.ca.gov/Public-Safety/ and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SonomaCountyCal/.

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 almost 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.