Flash Flood Warning For Petaluma: Police Urge Caution

PETALUMA, CA — Petaluma police advised that a flash flood warning was in effect Wednesday afternoon for northern parts of Petaluma, with flooding already reported on southbound Petaluma Boulevard North, near Gossage Avenue.

A National Weather Service flash flood warning was expected to remain in effect until 5:15 p.m. Wednesday for northern Petaluma and Penngrove, but police said heavy rains will continue.

"There will be heavy rain until approximately 10 p.m. Localized flooding is also possible over most of the area," Petaluma police Lt. Tim Lyons said in an alert sent at 4:35 p.m Wednesday.

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"Motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians should use caution when using the roadways ... due to poor visibility and increased stopping distances."

Police reminded motorists to drive with their headlights on while operating windshield wipers, and to drive slower during heavy rains.

A flash flood warning was also issued until 5:45 p.m. for Central Sonoma County, in an area including Sebastopol, Forestville and Graton.

Additionally, an NWS urban and small stream advisory was expected to remain in effect until 6:30 p.m. for Marin, Napa and Sonoma counties.

Flooding of small streams was already indicated by Doppler rader at 4:13 p.m., the NWS said.

According to the advisory, some locations that will experience flooding include: Santa Rosa, Napa, Petaluma, San Rafael, Novato, Rohnert Park, Windsor, American Canyon, Mill Valley, San Anselmo, Larkspur, Healdsburg, Sonoma, Corte Madera, Tiburon, Cloverdale, Fairfax, Sebastopol, Cotati and Sausalito.

"Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads," NWS said. "Most flood deaths occur in vehicles."

Since 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, the mountainous parts of Sonoma County have received the most rain thus far in the Bay Area, National Weather Service forecaster Steve Anderson said.

Winds have been as strong as 50-60 mph in some higher elevations in the region, Anderson said.

The strong winds and rain should begin to decrease by the early morning hours Thursday, he said.

Lt. Lyons said Petaluma PD will keep the community posted about road closures or flooded areas.

Anyone who sees a road hazard is asked to report it by calling the Petaluma Police Department at 707-778-4372.

Bay City News Service contributed to this report.

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