Flood watch issued for Sonoma County ahead of heavy rains Flood watch issued for Sonoma County ahead of heavy rains

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for Sonoma County and the North Bay ahead of heavy rains forecast around the region through Saturday morning.

The weather service now says the county's inland valleys can expect 3 to 4 inches of rain by the time the storm has gone, with higher amounts in the coastal hills. More than 8 inches could fall in the wettest spots.

The resulting runoff is likely to cause surface flooding on roadways and push small streams over their banks. River levels are expected to rise, though only moderately, the agency said.

Recent dry weather leaves the region in good condition to absorb a fair amount of the rainfall. There is a risk of flash flooding, mud or debris flows inside the boundaries of last October's wildfires, as well as downstream of the burn scars.

PG&E is geared up to grapple with downed power poles, company spokeswoman Deanna Contreras said.

Residents in areas at risk for post-fire hazards are advised to sign up for local emergency alerts at SoCoAlert.com as well as through Nixle. Cellphones should be set to accept emergency notifications.

Real-time rainfall and stream flow data are available at sonoma.onerain.com.

You can reach Staff Writer Mary Callahan at 707-521-5249 or mary.callahan@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @MaryCallahanB.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for Sonoma County and the North Bay ahead of heavy rains forecast around the region through Saturday morning.

The weather service now says the county's inland valleys can expect 3 to 4 inches of rain by the time the storm has gone, with higher amounts in the coastal hills. More than 8 inches could fall in the wettest spots.

The resulting runoff is likely to cause surface flooding on roadways, push small streams over their banks. River levels are expected to rise, though only moderately, the agency said.

Recent dry weather leaves the region in good condition to absorb a fair amount of the rainfall. There is a risk of flash flooding, mud or debris flows inside the boundaries of last October's wildfires, as well as downstream of the burn scars.

PG&E is geared up to grapple with downed power poles, company spokeswoman Deanna Contreras said.

Residents in areas at risk for post-fire hazards are advised to sign up for local emergency alerts at SoCoAlert.com as well as through Nixle. Cellphones should be set to accept emergency notifications.

Real-time rainfall and stream flow data is available at sonoma.onerain.com.

You can reach Staff Writer Mary Callahan at 707-521-5249 or mary.callahan@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @MaryCallahanB.