HEALDSBURG, CA —The National Weather Service issued a flood watch and a wind advisory for Petaluma and the North Bay from early Wednesday morning until early Thursday morning as an impactful atmospheric river inundates the Bay Area.
Periods of moderate to heavy rainfall will bring the potential for moderate to rapid rises along area rivers, streams and creeks across the region.
“The incoming storm that will impact our region predominantly on Wednesday appears as an almost perfect comma shape, with the tail formed by the moisture plume, and the head spinning low out over the ocean,” the weather service said. “The tail of this comma will befall our region beginning in the North Bay late tonight, bringing moderate to heavy rainfall there first.”
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The majority of the day Wednesday will be rainy, wet, and windy, with a 100 percent chance of rain in Healdsburg. The coastal mountains of the North Bay could see amounts up to about 5 inches, while lower elevations in the North Bay may see 3-4 inches, forecasters said.
A select few rivers in the region will see the potential to breach flood stage, namely the Russian River at Guerneville, forecasters said. As it stood Tuesday afternoon, the Russian River at Guerneville had about a 26 percent chance of reaching flood stage and a 58 percent chance of reaching monitor stage. Ensemble guidance shows a greater than 50 percent chance of reaching flood stage on numerous rivers and creeks across the North Bay, the weather service said.
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A flood watch means flooding is possible and that residents should monitor local forecasts and be alert for possible flood warnings.
“Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop,” the weather service said. “Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Low-water crossings may be flooded. Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris.”
Meanwhile, winds of 25-35 mph with gusts up to 45 mph could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result, the weather service said.
The city of Healdsburg said Tuesday that river elevations were not projected to reach flood levels in Healdsburg at this time.
“This rain event is predicted to bring 4-6 inches of rain to Healdsburg,” the city said. “As new storms bring more rain, be prepared for flooding, winds and possible power outages.”
Sandbags remain available at the Healdsburg Community Center.
Healdsburg residents can report flooding, downed trees that are not blocking a roadway, or power outages, by calling the city’s 24/7/365 Emergency Utility Hotline at 707-431-7000 or toll-free at 855-755-6586.
“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 911,” the city said.
Here is the current seven-day weather forecast for Healdsburg:
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Tuesday Night
Rain, mainly after 4am. Low around 50. Southeast wind 7 to 12 mph increasing to 13 to 18 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Wednesday
Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. High near 56. Breezy, with a south southeast wind 22 to 28 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between 2 and 3 inches possible.
Wednesday Night
Rain before 10pm, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm between 10pm and 4am, then rain likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 4am. Some of the storms could produce small hail and heavy rain. Low around 45. South southeast wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
Thursday
Rain. High near 56. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 7 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Thursday Night
Rain likely, mainly before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. West northwest wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Friday
Rain likely, mainly after 10am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 54. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Friday Night
A 40 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38.
Saturday
A chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 53.
Saturday Night
A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38.
Sunday
Rain likely, mainly after 10am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 53.
Sunday Night
Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41.
Monday
Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 55.
Monday Night
Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41.
Tuesday
Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 55.
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