Roads slick as light rain visits Sonoma County

A weather system brought light rain to the North Coast on Saturday, but forecasters say it was not nearly enough to end months of crippling drought.

Slick roads caused a spate of minor accidents on Sonoma County roadways.

As clouds broke Saturday afternoon, 0.08 of an inch of rain had fallen at Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport, AccuWeather said. Cities in west Sonoma County received between 0.10 and 0.20 of an inch of rain.

"I don't think we are going to get a lot more," said Bob Benjamin, forecaster with the National Weather Service. "The rain is very light. It's not going to take us out of drought conditions."

The system was expected to pass by Saturday night with clear skies predicted for today, Benjamin said. A warming trend starting Monday should bring temperatures approaching 70.

"After today, it looks dry for the next seven days," Benjamin said.

Since July 1, Santa Rosa has received just over 2inches of rain, less than 10 percent of last year's rain to date. Water officials are encouraging conservation as North Coast reservoirs are reaching record low levels.

Saturday's rain-slicked roads caused problems for motorists. The CHP recorded about 15 crashes between 1 and 2 p.m., mostly along the Highway 101 corridor, said Officer Nenad Gorenec. None of the crashes involved serious injuries.

The Redwood Empire Dispatch Communications Authority reported at least six weather-related accidents as of Saturday afternoon.

Two collisions occurred on Highway 12 at Highway 101, two vehicles overturned on Fountain Grove Parkway, one overturned on Highway 101 at Baker Avenue and another vehicle rolled over on Westside Road near Healdsburg.

The rain, which was little more than a light mist most of the day, did little to keep Santa Rosa residents indoors. Many shopped downtown with umbrellas or light jackets.

Stefanie Vukovich of Santa Rosa ran errands Saturday and said she welcomed the rain.

"I think it's wonderful," said Vukovich, who sells textiles. "We've been waiting so long for it. Every bit helps."

Dylan Bernie of California Luggage Co. had only sold one umbrella Saturday, well off the store record of 150 umbrellas a few years ago during the Amgen Tour of California bike race downpour.

"It's just a little mist, bro," Bernie said.

Abby Bogomolny joked about "braving" the rain to make it to the Central Library to hear writers from the Redwood Writers club read stories.

"Writers are dedicated," she said. "Rain or snow won't stop us."

At Bennett Valley Golf Course, a few hearty golfers played through light rain. Don Getts and his son John hit a bucket of balls on the driving range. Don Getts said his son was leaving Sunday to go back to University of Redlands and Saturday was the last day to spend time together.

"We were coming out either way," Getts said. "The rain isn't too bad for a bucket or two. Bring it on."

Staff Writer Derek Moore contributed to this report. You can reach Staff Writer Matt Brown at 521-5206 or matt.brown@pressdemocrat.com.