Storm-Battered Sonoma County Activates Emergency Operations Center

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — Sonoma County Administrator Sheryl Bratton issued an emergency proclamation authorizing the activation Wednesday of the county’s Emergency Operations Center to monitor and respond as needed to three major storms expected through Wednesday, Jan. 11.

UPDATE: Evacuation Warning Issued For Russian River Area

Wednesday afternoon, the National Weather Service upgraded the flood watch to a flood advisory for Napa and Sonoma counties in the North Bay until 10 p.m. Wednesday.

Local emergency and weather officials are advising Sonoma County residents to avoid unnecessary travel and prepare for high winds, flash flooding, downed trees and the potential for power outages throughout the region, as well as the potential for landslides or debris flows in burn scar areas.

Russian River May Reach Flood Stage

Residents living along the Russian River, which is expected to reach flood stage by midnight on Thursday, Jan. 5, should be prepared to act in advance of potential flooding, county officials said Wednesday afternoon in a news release.

In Healdsburg, the city has been continuously monitoring projected levels of the Russian River and Dry Creek (which impact Foss Creek). At this time, maximum projected levels are not anticipated to reach the flood stage in Healdsburg, city officials said Wednesday afternoon. Rain and wind were expected to peak Wednesday night from 4-10 p.m., with another 4-6 inches of rain expected this weekend, the city said. Healdsburg city staff will continue monitoring water levels throughout the night.

"Out of an abundance of caution, those that live in areas prone to localized flooding should take typical precautions such as parking their vehicle at a higher elevation (such as a driveway) in the event higher than forecasted rains occur this evening," the city of Healdsburg said in a social media post.

In addition to a high wind warning across the region, the National Weather Service issued a high surf warning for coastal areas and a coastal flood advisory for the North Bay.

Sonoma County crews have been in storm preparation mode over the last several weeks clearing out debris jams, removing fallen or hazardous trees, and clearing culverts and ditches, county officials said.

“Sonoma County stands ready to respond to both expected and unforeseen events that may come from this series of winter storms,” said county Emergency Operations Director Chris Godley. “Out of an abundance of caution and because we’ve been here before, we urge all residents to review emergency supply kits, make a plan, check in on vulnerable family and neighbors and make sure you can stay informed and be alerted to hazards in your area.”

Storm Closures

One Sonoma County school, Horicon School in Annapolis, was confirmed to be closed Wednesday because of a blocked road.

Effective Wednesday, the following Sonoma County Regional parks were closed due to flooding and high winds:

• Forestville River Access
• Gualala Point Regional Park
• Guerneville River Park
• Helen Putnam Regional Park (Windsor Drive entrance only)
• Hood Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve
• Laguna de Santa Rosa Regional Trail (Highway 12 entrance only)
• Riverfront Regional Park
• Sonoma Valley Regional Park (Dog Park only)
• Spring Lake Regional Park
• Steelhead Beach Regional Park
• Sunset Beach River Park
• West County Regional Trail (between Green Valley Road and Ross Station Road)

Storm Dos And Donts

County emergency officials advised the following steps to protect yourself, your family and neighbors, and your property during these storms:

• Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
• If your vehicle is trapped in rapidly moving water, stay inside. If water is rising inside the vehicle, seek refuge on the roof.
• Stay off of bridges over fast-moving water.
• Learn and practice evacuation routes, shelter in place, and flood response.
• Make sure your Go Bag is ready in case you have to leave immediately.
• Evacuate if told to do so.
• Keep in mind medication needs. Don’t forget the needs of pets.
• Locate backup batteries and charging devices for phones, radios and other emergency equipment.
• Keep important documents in a waterproof container.
• If flooding begins on your property, move to higher ground. If trapped in a building, then go to its highest level. Do not climb into a closed attic. Go on the roof only if necessary

The county is posting storm updates on its Facebook page, and more information is available on SoCoEmergency.org.

Send your storm-related photos or videos to maggie.fusek@patch.com.