County Storm Update: Mud Slides Possible in Burn Scars this Evening

The National Weather Service has issued several alerts and warnings due to the strong winter storm forecasted to pass over Sonoma County Wednesday night through Thursday, January 17, 2019. With the forecasted rain, there is potential for mudslides in the areas that burned in the October 2017 wildfires this evening.

The National Weather Service has issued the following:

• Flash Flood Warning
• Wind Advisory
• Coastal Flood Advisory

For more information, visit the National Weather Service.

Prepare for:

• High risk of mudslides (Due to soil saturation, we may begin to see slippages in the Burn Scar Area. At this time, trigger levels for flash floods are possible).
• High threat of localized flooding.
• High threat to commute traffic.
• High threat of wind related problems including falling trees and/or power outages.

This is the time to locate your emergency kits, and review your evacuation plans with your family. Watch out for any land movement, observe road closures, and do not drive through flood waters.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is currently forecasting that the Russian River will not reach flood stages. The County is closely monitoring conditions. Emergency Managers are prepared to open the Emergency Operations Center, though it is not anticipated this will be necessary based on current predictions.

Road closures and restrictions information for the unincorporated areas can be found at roadconditions.sonoma-county.org. Please call Transportation and Public Works at (707) 565-5100 to report a road obstruction during business hours, and the Sheriff’s Office at (707) 565-2121 after hours.

Flood Safety Tips:

• Stay informed by monitoring local media and signing up for alerts.
• Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
• Avoid walking or driving through flood waters.
• Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and 2 feet of water can sweep your vehicle away.
• If there is a chance of flash flooding, move immediately to higher ground.
• If floodwaters rise around your car but the water is not moving, abandon the car and move to higher ground. Remain in the car if the water is moving.
• Avoid camping or parking along streams, rivers, and creeks during heavy rainfall. These areas can flood quickly and with little warning.