More Storms Stalk Rohnert Park, Cotati, Sonoma County

ROHNERT PARK AND COTATI, CA — After a brief pause, a relentless parade of atmospheric river-fueled storms is expected to bring another impactful storm starting this weekend to Rohnert Park, Cotati 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. Rohnert Park and Cotati are expected to see rain for 10 straight days starting Saturday.

"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 that 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."

Rohnert Park Storm Update

As of 9 a.m. Friday, all roads were open in Rohnert Park including Rohnert Park Expressway west of Rancho Verde Mobile Home Park.

"The roadway remains wet and may have some debris so please slow down and increase your following distance," Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety said Friday morning in a storm update.

Earlier in the week, Rohnert Park Expressway West was closed from Rancho Verde to Stony Point.

"We’d like to offer kudos and thanks to our Public Works staff, who have done a fabulous job monitoring the city and clearing debris and trees from the roadways, creek paths and drains," the Rohnert DPS said. "The tents at the Roberts Lake Encampment have mostly held up, and when needed we can assist residents from there to a warming center in Santa Rosa. The site has drained well."

The Rohnert Park sandbag station was still set up at the parking lot of the Callinan Sports Center on Snyder Lane.

The city has not opened its Emergency Operations Center, but said it is ready to do so should the need arise.

Rohnert Park residents who see a non-life-threatening hazard related to the storm should call the non-emergency Public Safety line at 707-584-2600. If it is an emergency, call 911.

Cotati Storm Status

The City of Cotati has been operating a free self-serve sandbag station each afternoon at 1 Trebino Court, off Blodgett Street. Each household or business can fill up to 10 bags. The city does not place or deliver sandbags on private property. To check if the sandbag station is open, go to the city's Facebook page.

The city remained motorists not to attempt to drive through floodwaters. Instead, contact Police Dispatch at 707-792-4611 and notify them of the flooded street. If it is a life-threatening situation, call 911.

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

For updated forecasts visit AccuWeather