More Storms Stalk Healdsburg, Sonoma County

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

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. Healdsburg is 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."

The evacuation warning did not apply to residents and businesses within the city of Healdsburg. The city of Healdsburg said Friday that staff continued to monitor weather forecasts and the projected levels of the Russian River and Dry Creek, which impact Foss Creek.

"At this time, maximum projected levels are still not anticipated to reach flood stage in Healdsburg," city officials said. "Staff will continue to monitor and provide daily updates through the weekend, providing additional updates if the situation changes."

The city of Healdsburg’s sandbag station remained open Friday at the Healdsburg Community Center, 1557 Healdsburg Ave. Sand and empty bags are provided, however, the city recommends residents bring a shovel to fill bags, gloves to protect their hands, and a helper to assist in filling.

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

For updated forecasts visit AccuWeather