Residents of the North Bay will need to stay vigilant as the National Weather Service (NWS) has extended a flood watch for Marin, Napa, and Sonoma counties. Initially set to expire earlier, the advisory is now in effect until 10 p.m. Sunday night due to continued rainfall and rising water levels in local rivers and creeks.
Meteorologists have pointed to persistent heavy rainfall saturating the soil, making it difficult for water to drain efficiently. With additional rainfall expected through Sunday, the potential for flooding remains high, particularly in low-lying areas, roads prone to water accumulation, and riverbanks nearing capacity.
While the San Francisco, East Bay, South Bay, Peninsula, and Santa Cruz have seen an improvement in conditions, allowing their flood watches to be lifted, the North Bay remains at risk.
Current Concerns and Expected Impact
Emergency services across Marin, Napa, and Sonoma counties are closely monitoring flood-prone zones, particularly near the Russian River, Napa River, and smaller creeks. Residents in these areas should prepare for potential road closures, waterlogged streets, and minor landslides in hilly regions.
Local authorities have issued reminders for drivers to avoid attempting to cross flooded roads, emphasizing the dangers of swiftly moving water. Even six inches of water can cause vehicles to lose traction, while two feet can completely sweep a car away.
What Should Residents Do?
With the flood watch in effect, here’s how North Bay residents can stay safe:
Stay Informed: Monitor updates from the National Weather Service and local emergency agencies.
Prepare for Evacuation: Have an emergency kit ready with essentials such as food, water, medication, and important documents.
Avoid Flooded Areas: Do not walk or drive through standing water, as it may be deeper than it appears.
Check Local Road Conditions: Some roads may be closed due to flooding, and alternate routes should be planned in advance.
Forecasters predict that rain will begin to ease up late Sunday night into Monday, with drier conditions expected at the start of the new week. However, with the ground already saturated, residual flooding and minor landslides could still occur in the following days.
Residents are encouraged to remain alert and follow guidance from local officials as the storm system moves through. For emergency updates, tune into official weather advisories, city alerts, and local news broadcasts.
