The rising waters of the Russian River led Sonoma County officials to issue an evacuation warning for residents who live near the river on Tuesday.
The river may reach flood stage at 7 p.m. and crest at nearly 46 feet on Wednesday at 10 p.m. in Guerneville, according to the county's alert. Much of downtown Guerneville will be flooded if the river reaches those levels.
EVACUATION WARNINGSonoma County is recommending evacuations to residents living near the Russian river.The river is expected to reach flood stages (32') today at 7PM and is expected to crest 45 ft. 9 in at 10 PM Wednesday night in Guerneville. pic.twitter.com/5k4iXkh8Ok
— County of Sonoma (@CountyofSonoma) February 26, 2019Some roads could be cut off by flooding, leaving residents isolated and making it difficult for emergency services to reach them, Sonoma County Sheriff's Department Sgt. Spencer Crum said on KCBS Radio. He expressed concern that more preparations hadn't been made.
The storm produced by the atmospheric river hovering above the Bay Area has inundated North Bay counties with rain. Forecasters said the area could recieve three to six inches along the coast and in valleys, while the higher elevations could get as much as 10 inches.
The National Weather Service had earlier posted a warning that the Russian and Napa river may spill over their banks between Tuesday evening and Thursday morning.
