Another Hefty Storm Is Headed Our Way, Flood Watch Issued

Get ready, Sonoma, we’re about to get smacked with another bout of heavy rain this weekend, and it might prompt some local flooding in creeks and streams.

With the ground already soaked from the atmospheric river and the showers of the past few days, it won’t take much to fill our riparian corridors quickly. As much as another three inches of rain, on top of the ten inches we’ve already received, is in the forecast.

Be careful at the likely trouble spots, by the fire station in Shelleville in particular, and remember not to try to drive through flooded streets.

A flood watch has been issued by the National Weather Service from 2 PM Friday (December 13th) through 4 PM Sunday (December 15th) due to the likelihood of a rain event that could range from 2 to 3 inches in the Valley. Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas.

As the rain continues, so do concerns about flooding, downed trees and power outages due to saturated soils. We encourage you to use this relatively dry spell to prepare for the next round.

Sandbags: Free sandbags are now available to City residents at City Hall during normal business hours, limit 10 bags per resident while supplies last. Additional bags are available for purchase at  Friedman’s Home Improvement Center (1360 Broadway).

Free sand is also available to City residents in the parking lot at Depot Park (270 1st ST W). The sandbag filling station at Depot Park is self-serve; please bring your own shovel.  Read our Sandbag Instructions to learn how to fill, stack, and construct sandbags properly.

Find additional sandbag filing station locations on the SoCoEmergency website.

How to report localized flooding or hazards: To report flooding, downed trees that are not blocking a roadway or other hazards in Sonoma city limits:

• During regular business hours Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. call the City of Sonoma Public Works Department at 707-938-3332.
• After regular business hours call the Sonoma Police Department Non-Emergency Dispatch at 707-996-3601.

For emergencies that pose a threat to life and/or property, such as a downed power line, or downed trees blocking a roadway, always dial 9-1-1.