Healdsburg, Sonoma County Under Flood Watch, Wind Advisory

HEALDSBURG, CA—The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for Tuesday through late Friday night for Healdsburg, Sonoma County and the North Bay as the first significant atmospheric river of the season deluges the region with intense rainfall.

The weather service said flooding caused by excessive rainfall will continue throughout the week. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks, and flooding may occur in poor drainage areas and urban areas. Low-water crossings may also be flooded. There will also be an increased risk of rock and land slides along roadways.

Rainfall totals from Wednesday and Thursday range from 3-7 inches in the valleys to 6-10 inches in the higher elevations. An additional 2-4 inches of rainfall is expected Friday into Saturday, increasing flooding concerns.

"You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings," the National Weather Service said. "Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop."

Healdsburg residents should also prepare for strong 20-30 mph winds with gusts up to 50 mph. A wind advisory goes into effect at 10 p.m. Tuesday and continues until 6 a.m. Thursday. During this time, unsecured objects may be blown around and tree limbs could be blown down, creating the possibility of a few power outages. The combination of wind and moist soils will increase the risk of downed trees, the weather service said.

In anticipation of elevated river flows, Sonoma Water on Tuesday began lowering its rubber dam on the Russian River near Forestville. The agency routinely lowers the dam when Russian River flow forecasts show the river exceeding 1,600 cubic feet per second to prevent damage to the rubber dam from high flows. The dam is just downstream of the Wohler Bridge on the Russian River. When completely lowered, it rests flat on the bottom of the river.

The city of Healdsburg expects 6-8 inches but said Tuesday river elevations were not projected to reach flood levels.

"Our team will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates if conditions require," the city said on social media.

Sandbags are available at the Healdsburg Community Center. Sand and empty bags are provided; residents need to bring a shovel and gloves.

To report flooding, power outages, or downed trees that are not blocking a roadway, community members should call the city’s 24/7/365 Emergency Utility Hotline at 707-431-7000 or toll-free 855-755-6586.

"For emergencies that pose a threat to life and/or property, such as a downed power line, or downed trees blocking a roadway, always dial 911," the city said.

Healdsburg Seven-Day Forecast

Tuesday Afternoon

A 30 percent chance of rain, mainly after 4pm. Cloudy, with a high near 57. South wind around 9 mph.

Tuesday Night

Rain, mainly after 10pm. Low around 44. South southeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch possible.

Wednesday

Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. High near 57. South wind 14 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between 2 and 3 inches possible.

Wednesday Night

Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. Low around 49. South southeast wind 13 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between 2 and 3 inches possible.

Thursday

Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. High near 61. South wind around 11 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Thursday Night

Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. Low around 51. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Friday

Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. High near 60. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

Friday Night

Rain. Cloudy, with a low around 44.

Saturday

Rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 59.

Saturday Night

Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41.
Sunday

Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58.
Sunday Night

Rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41.

Monday

Rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 57.