More Storms Stalk Petaluma, Sonoma County

PETALUMA, CA — After a brief pause, a relentless parade of atmospheric river-fueled storms is expected to bring another impactful storm starting this weekend to Petaluma and Sonoma County.

A National Weather Service advisory said the new series of storms is likely to bring more staggering precipitation numbers to a region that is already soaked. The weather service issued a flood watch that takes effect at 4 a.m. Saturday and continues through 4 p.m. Tuesday for Coastal North Bay, including Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin coastal range, North Bay interior mountains, North Bay interior valleys, and the Sonoma coastal range.

Most of the Bay Area is expected to receive between 2 to 3 inches of rain between Saturday and Tuesday with hills likely to get 3 to 6 inches. Patches of San Mateo and Santa Clara counties in the Santa Cruz Mountains could also see up to 10 inches.

The next wave of storms is estimated to continue through Jan. 19, according to the NWS. Petalumais expected to see rain for 11 straight days starting Friday.

"Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible," the weather service said. "Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Low-water crossings may be flooded. Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris. Extensive street flooding and flooding of creeks and rivers are possible."

The new series of storms follows an atmospheric river-fueled “bomb cyclone” earlier this week that killed at least two people including a toddler and caused widespread flooding and property damage throughout the Bay Area. Winds associated with the storm topped out at 85 mph in Marin County.

“As the overall wet pattern remains locked in place over the West Coast, the next surge of moisture to move inland is forecast to enter northern California and southwest Oregon late Friday,” the NWS advisory said.

“Rainfall could become hazardous and lead to scattered instances of flash flooding over the coastal ranges of northern California. The consistent stream of moisture being funneled out of the tropical Pacific will continue into Saturday and gradually expand into more central portions of the state.”

The pattern is likely to persist beyond the seven-day projection for an additional seven-day period in which “several more impactful atmospheric river events are expected,” the NWS bulletin said.

Russian River Area Evacuation Warning Remains In Effect

As of 10 a.m. Friday, the evacuation warning issued earlier this week for all residents living near the Russian River floodway and its tributaries from unincorporated Healdsburg to Jenner remained in effect.

An evacuation shelter is available at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds for those who need support, Sonoma County officials said.

"The current forecast predicts the river will reach 32 feet on Sunday night," county officials said on SoCoEmergency.org. "The Russian River is expected to possibly surpass 39 feet Tuesday night after 7 pm. For your safety, prepare to leave the areas below the 40-foot flood level in the Russian River area. Be sure to take essential items, such as medicines with you. If you live above the 40-foot level, your access may be reduced or eliminated. For additional information, call 2-1-1 or visit www.socopsa.org."

Petaluma Storm Latest

The recent atmospheric event Wednesday and Thursday led to some puddling of water and light flooding in areas throughout Petaluma, the Petaluma Police Department said in a weather update.

"Some small limbs fell off trees and into roadways littering the streets with debris, but there were no reported incidents of heavy flooding and thankfully no reports of weather-related injuries in Petaluma," police said.

Local streams around Petaluma were slowly rising Thursday and were expected to rise further. There was flooding in the westbound lane of Lakeville Highway (state Highway 116), just east of Browns Lane. There was also minor roadway flooding on Browns Lane and Ely Blvd South, south of Frates Road.

City officials were continuing to monitor the weather and local streams, and public works, fire and police personnel remain prepared to respond to road closures, blocked storm drains and storm-related debris on streets and sidewalks.

• Boat Sinks Amid Stormy Weather At Petaluma Harbor, Spills Fuel
• Public Works: 'Keeping Petaluma Safe During The Storm'

"Please drive slowly if you see public safety personnel performing traffic control or clearing storm debris," police said. "The Petaluma Police Department is advising all drivers to take extra precautions when traveling on the roadways. Drivers should not pass road closure or flooding signs. If drivers encounter standing water on the roadway they are advised to not attempt to drive through the water as many times the standing water is much deeper than it appears."

Residents are encouraged to notify the Petaluma Police Department at 707-778-4372 to report flooded roadways or downed utility lines. To report blocked storm drains, road hazards or fallen trees, residents should call 707-778-4546, Ext. 2, or visit the city website for storm-related information, such as sandbag locations and local stream monitoring.

• READ MORE: Storms Pause As California Braces For More Rain, Wind, Flooding

For updated forecasts visit AccuWeather