Storm forecast to cause flooding on Russian, Napa rivers

SONOMA COUNTY, Calif. (BCN) - Flooding is forecast on the Russian and Napa rivers from Tuesday evening through Thursday morning because of heavy rains, the National Weather Service said Monday.

The weather service also said river flooding is possible on the Guadalupe and Carmel Rivers on Tuesday night and that flash flooding is a threat in the central and southern Bay Area and Santa Cruz County from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning.

Sonoma County said it would activate its Emergency Operations Center at 8 a.m. Tuesday because of the threat of Russian River flooding, flash floods and mudslides across the county, including the areas that burned in the October 2017 wildfires.

"This is the time to locate your emergency kits and review your evacuation plans with your family," said David Rabbitt, chairman of the county Board of Supervisors, in a statement. "Watch out for any land 
movement, observe road closures, and do not drive through flooded roads."

Area streams and creeks are expected to rise rapidly from moderate to heavy rain on saturated soils, with the potential for flash flooding from the Santa Cruz Mountains northward, according to the weather service.

The North Bay is at greatest risk for prolonged heavy rains and flash flooding. It could see 3 to 6 inches of rain from Monday through Wednesday in coastal, valley and urban areas, and 5 to 10 inches in hills and mountains, with locally higher amounts possible. 

Gusty winds are expected from Monday afternoon through Tuesday night, with the strongest winds from late Tuesday through Tuesday night.