Sonoma County officials issue evacuation warning for areas of Russian River between Healdsburg, Jenner
Sonoma County public safety officials have issued an evacuation warning for residents along the lower Russian River and its tributaries between Healdsburg and Jenner in advance of what’s expected to be severe and potentially sustained flooding beginning late Sunday and extending into next week.
Though not an evacuation order, the warning issued around 5 p.m. Wednesday was intended to inform residents to prepare for the likelihood of flooding and be ready to evacuate immediately if conditions warrant a formal evacuation order in the coming days.
The Russian River is projected to reach just above flood stage of 32 feet late Thursday before falling back below flood monitor level on Friday.
But after a new rainstorm arrives Saturday, the river is forecast to rise rapidly, cresting near 40 feet, or eight feet above flood stage early Monday.
County officials used Nixle and wireless electronic alerts to target residents below the 40 foot river elevation, where floodwater are expected to reach, and urging them to assemble essential items like medications, pet needs and important documents and be prepared to evacuate.
Those who feel unsafe are encouraged to leave earlier.
Affected areas include communities along Eastside and Westside roads south of Healdsburg, Rio Dell, Forestville, Rio Nido, Gueneville, Monte Rio, Villa Grande, Duncans Mills, Jenner, Cazadero and Willow Creek.
A map of the area can be found here.
Residents also can look up their address at socoemergency.org/emergency/flooding/
You can reach Staff Writer Mary Callahan (she/her) at 707-521-5249 or mary.callahan@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @MaryCallahanB.
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