Sonoma County Board ratifies local emergency proclamation in response to November atmospheric river

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors voted today to ratify the local emergency proclamation issued on Nov. 26 by County Executive M. Christina Rivera in response to the November 2024 atmospheric river. The Board's ratification of the proclamation is a prerequisite for requesting state and federal assistance for response and recovery efforts. 

Beginning on Nov. 20, heavy rainfall caused by a category four atmospheric river brought nearly 13 inches of rain in six days, as recorded at the Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport. Other areas of the county received as much as 20 inches of rain.

The heavy rain caused power outages, downed trees, damaged roadways and flooded multiple areas throughout the county. The rainfall left many creeks and streams above the action/monitor stage, requiring emergency protective measures. 

The county is still assessing damages; however, initial estimates reported include $1.42 million in damaged homes per Permit Sonoma; over $220,000 in business damages per the Economic Development Collaborative; $2.6 million in initial damages per County Departments; and $300,000 in damages in cities or special districts. 

Based on Sonoma County Public Infrastructure's initial evaluation, two roads require immediate attention to prevent further deterioration or the loss of the road entirely. Sonoma County Public Infrastructure has estimated that the damages to Pine Flat Road and two sites on Cavedale Road will cost $2.1 million in repairs. Without ratifying the local proclamation, repairs on these roads could take up to five years before funding is secured through FEMA. 

Through the County's Universal Disaster Intake system, the county has already distributed $8,650 to seven community members, with an additional $19,000 in Emergency Financial Assistance committed across 15 intake registrations. The intake was limited to impacted areas and not an open registration. County Executive M. Christina Rivera has approved up to $20,000 in aid for this limited impact disaster event. 

For more information on the 2024 November Storm visit SoCoEmergency.org

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Media Contact:
Gilbert Martinez, Communications Specialist
gilbert.martinez@sonoma-county.org
575 Administration Dr., Suite 104A
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
(707) 565-3040