I just evacuated our house! Major Flooding in Marin Cty, CA! H20 rising !

[Pachamama]

I just evacuated our house! Major Flooding in Marin Cty, CA! H20 rising !


Hey Duers in California - Pachamama here....I'm sitting in my car w/ my laptop and tapped into the local schools wireless server. We just evacuated our house in Ross, CA at 5:30AM....Water was rising fast in the creek behind our house....We tried to get as much stuff to higher ground in the house and got all important docs and our laptops, grabbed the kids and took off.

When we left the house, the water was up to our house about a foot and rising....we drove up the hill to a school and are sitting here with strong winds blowing and rain coming down everywhere...the kids are scared and atleast I brought some food along...but we have no idea what to do next...or where to go....We are just going to stay put here till daylight breaks soon, but the rain isn't supposed to stop and when we left the water was rising so fast we can't go back. Atleast we are on higher ground...

Anyone know good sites for weather and local flood advisory and reporting? And, if any of you DUers are in Marin County or the Bay Area, start preparing....take things to higher ground in your house and start planning to get out of there. I woke up this morning at 2:30 and the creek in a matter of 3 hours went over 60 feet towards our house. It rose 8 feet and is still rising....

2005 has really sucked hasn't it....and it can't leave us without a big eff you to more people....Hopefully 2006 will be better.... :eyes: Can anyone say "Global Climate Change is here to stay?"

[B Calm]

1. Do you have flood insurance?

[Pachamama]

15. Yes, we do...its a flood plane A zone - In 1982 there was a 100 yr flood

that flooded the entire area of San Anselmo, Ross and Kentfield and had water like a river going down the major streets....therefore the requirement when we bought our house was to have flood insurance....

Problem is - I think there is a high deductible....this totally sucks....Then again, with what happened in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, this is nothing. Also, in 1998, my husband and I lost everything in a major fire, so I guess I'm emotionally able to deal with this right now...most important is we are on higher ground and safe...me and the Pachafamily....

[Junkdrawer]

18. Much better a high deductible than no insurance...

Glad to hear it!

:hi:

[shaniqua6392]

2. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers!

I am so sorry this is happening to you. Keep us posted if you can and stay safe!

[Pachamama]

16. I will keep you posted....scary thing is, I have no idea how high the

water is now at our house....we are on a hill about a half mile from our house and when we left, we were just barely able to get out the water was rising so fast and there was a flash flood of water pouring into the road....

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers..... :hug:

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

3. Try weatther.com or the noaa site

they should both have local conditions. Have you called the sheriff's office? They might have evacuation routes/lists of safe places to be. It would be a good idea to report your local conditions to them. Stay safe!

[Pachamama]

24. Thanks for the info and thoughts....

We are probably in the safest spot possible....on higher ground in the parking lot at the Branson School in Ross....about 50 ft higher than where our house sits....there really is no where else to go...if the road was flooding and water rising as fast on our street as it was, the streets leading away elsewhere and the whole valley are just as bad...

The hardest part right now is the kids are scared and wondering when they can go back home....we don't even know or what our "home" is going to look like....Also, as we sit in the car right now the car is shaking, the wind is blowing so hard....

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

38. Remind the kids they are as safe as they can be

I remember once when a tornado came through the town where I was in grade school. We could see the wall cloud from the windows of the classroom, which faced west. No tornado warning had been sounded, and the principal didn't call for us to go to the basement. I was in an overcrowded classroom, and we watched as the glass in the windows started to shake. The teacher very calmly said, "Well, perhaps instead of talking about history we should talk about weather." She talked with us about what caused a tornado, and that if one were going to strike the school, we'd be evacuated. As it was, we never saw a funnel cloud-it came down just north of us-and everyone remained safe, thanks to that teacher (who was my mother) who was able to keep a cool head.

Hope you can use this example to help you with your kids.

[liberalnurse]

4. OMG.......I feel like I am there with you.

You need to be rescued! There has to be some shelter you can go into......Can you make it out of the flood zone into another town?

My heart is in my throat right now...... O8) :grouphug:

[Pachamama]

20. We are surrounded by water...if you look on a map, there is the ocean to

west the Bay to the East and the entire valley in which we live and the neighboring towns are all flooding right now. Atleast we had this hill near our house....we are in the valley below Mt. Tamalpais...Type in on a map the zip code 94957....you'll see what I mean....

I have a bad feeling right now...the water was rising so so fast....I put the kittens and our cat upstairs (atleast 30 feet above ground) with food, water and litter box before we raced out the door....Meanwhile, I'm soaked...I'm in a wet fleece shirt, shorts and tevas, because my husband and I were trying to grab everything out of the basement to bring it up to the main floor of the house. When the water started rushing down the stairs into the basement we rushed out, grabbed our stuff and left as quick as we could...a flash flood was coming from across the street and meanwhile the creek behind our house had come nearly 50 feet to our house....

This is bad....I have a bad feeling right now....its also not supposed to stop raining until Sunday night! :hug:

[liberalnurse]

29. Since you are in the car....

you should have a radio channel that is issuing emergency instructions. I would be satisfied if you could move out of the area to higher ground with shelter. You could get trapped if you don't move but you need a safe plan to exit as well. Didn't you say you were near a school to access the internet? Who else is around? Team up and move out as a group.

[Pachamama]

37. There is only a couple in another car here in the parking lot...I'm not

sure if there is anyone in the school here...there is a house on the grounds where I think someone lives (its a private school)...

If things get really bad and we don't want to stay in the car, we would break in if we had too...but we won't go there just yet....

My 5 year old just had to go "potty" so I took her in the pouring rain to go outside... I'm now soaked and wet again....

[TallahasseeGrannie]

5. Hang in there

you got the important stuff and you have your family. I admire your forethought in getting to a hot zone.

Try and keep us informed. I know many of us will be thinking of you you and your family today.

[Pachamama]

25. Thanks Grannie! I learned years ago that the only thing that matters is

safety of the family....and ofcourse photos and impt docs....and I couldn't forget my laptop...got to keep in touch with DU and the world... :)

[flying_wahini]

6. I am sending good vibes your way,

hope you stay safe, do you have family nearby?

[LizW]

7. Good grief! Are there any shelters opening?

What are your neighbors doing? Have emergency personnel come by to check on you?

Stay safe, and I hope your house is alright!

:hug:

[Pachamama]

26. No one came by our house, I was pounding on my neighbors doors to wake

them and no luck! I just pray those people were away for the holidays...especially my 80 year old neighbor :scared:

When I called 911, they didn't have a clue of where to go - I made the judgement call to go where I did

[hang a left]

8. Oh my!!!

KNR

[Junkdrawer]

9. WeatherUnderground.com & AccuWeather

http://www.weatherunderground.com/severe.asp

http://headlines.accuweather.com/news-story.asp?partner=accuweather&myadc=0&article=1

[Ilsa]

10. Hey Pacha, Last year I kept a friend informed as she fled her

home in San Diego due to fires by going online to local tv news stations websites. One of them listed the streets that had houses burned out. She found out from me through her cell phone.
try logging on to a local tv news station.

Hugs, and you'll be in my thoughts. I hope you don't get washed out, but Im glad you and the family are safe. Please keep us informed whenever you can. Yeah, sometimes we have to tag onto someone else's wireless router.

[MsKandice01]

11. Oh wow, I'm so sorry!

I'm in San Jose right now and I've been up since 5:00 this morning because the wind has been rattling my windows so hard I can't sleep. I can't even imagine how scary it is for you. My husband is leaving for work in a few minutes and just THAT thought scares the crap outta me.

Stay safe and I hope you guys don't have too much damage.

[Pachamama]

28. Thank you MsKandice!

:hug:

Hopefully you are on higher ground...this is the worst I've ever seen in the Bay Area in the 10+ years I've lived here.....

[MsKandice01]

34. Well, I live on the 2nd floor of an apartment building...

and there are no streams or rivers anywhere close by. We aren't expected to have the kind of rain you guys have up there either. The only thing I worry about here is a tree falling from the wind. There are tons of huge trees surrounding my place and they are getting whipped around like crazy out there.

By the way, my husband made it to work okay but he said the freeway is like a river.

[nicknameless]

139. "Rattling windows" can make storms even scarier. My solution:

I realized that the rattling was caused by the wind blowing the window around within its frame. So I folded up pieces of paper towel and wedged them between the windows and their frames. Storms now are much quieter (and less scary) and the inside is warmer -- so I save a bit on heating bills too.

:)

[Mutley]

12. The sites I would recommend have already been posted

but good luck, and my good thoughts are heading your way. :hug:

[skylarmae]

13. good luck Pachamama!

Stay dry and safe and here's http://www.weather.com/ to try. Just plug in the zip. Sounds pretty scary for the kids, so sorry and best wishes to all...

[malaise]

14. Try and stay safe

not sure the hills are the best place to be...mudslides are expected.

[Buns_of_Fire]

17. Please stay safe...

...there's also http://www.wunderground.com -- which I've also found to be fairly accurate.

[Gormy Cuss]

19. Nat'l weather service page for your general vicinity

http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/total_forecast/index.php?wfo=mtr&zone=caz506&county=cac041

Stay well and dry, Pachamama. I'm over in Contra Costa and things aren't so bad here although the overnight rain and wind was intense.

Hwy flooding on 101 near Petaluma, Novato and other low spots in Marin. Lots of roads are under water around the Santa Rosa/Rohnert Park area according to channel 7.

[highplainsdem]

21. Links for you:

Weather/flooding there:

http://weather.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/iwszone?Sites=:caz005

http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mtr/





Emergency assistance resources in Marin:

http://www.marin.org/comres/emergency.cfm

[EFerrari]

22. Try to stay warm and dry, Pachamama! I knew this was going to

be bad. It has been pouring for hours!

[Pachamama]

39. Hey there! If you have any friends in Marin, call them and warn them!

Seriously...if I hadn't woken up, I might have found myself surrounded by a river in a flooding house....

Stay warm and dry today if you can.... :hug:

[EFerrari]

43. I will!

:hug:

[Surya Gayatri]

23. Good luck to you and your family...

prayers and good energy coming your way. At least you had time to try to put things out of the reach of the water and grab the essentials. Courage and strength to you all. SG

[Pachamama]

40. Namaste Surya....

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers....

This is a really bad storm....I'm not exaggerating if I say this one will have surpassed the flood of 1982....if you google "flood storm 1982 san anselmo kentfield ross" I'm sure it will show pix from then...this is worse....

Ps: Which I was in France right now....

[Spazito]

27. Stay safe! My thoughts will be with you and your family

It sounds very frightening, please stay in touch with us so we know you and your family are safe!

[Pachamama]

32. That's it Spazito! I want to move to the Mt's of Canada!

Atleast if I was in Rossland or somewhere like that, I'd be in the Mountains, higher ground and the worst I'd have to worry about would be Avalanches!

Ugh....this is awful....and the worst hasn't come yet...the rain is just coming down in buckets and the high tide in the Bay is supposed to peak at 9:36AM....One of the highest tides in the year too...I bet my house is underwater on the first floor....

[Spazito]

42. I feel so bad for you and your family! Am very worried for all of you

Does the school you are near have more than one floor so you can get higher if necessary?


It is true, we don't get flooded out here for sure but it has been raining steadily for days now, very rare here at this time of the year for this long a period of time. I have green grass in January, I have NEVER had green grass at the end of December! This re-affirms climate change to me for sure.

[Pachamama]

57. Hey Spazito....see my last post to see the update on what I did to survive

:hi:

[Spazito]

83. I saw and was very happy to see you and the family are in a safer

place, dry and with food! From the warnings, it is very, very bad, flooding everywhere.

[OregonBlue]

30. I'm so sorry! May be doing the same things soon. I live in

central Oregon. We had lots of snow and now it's raining and raining and raining. Spent hours last night shoveling water out of my garage and office. Not to my house yet but there's a lake in my back yard. Septic should stop functioning soon. Our creek is rising really quickly. And yes, this has been one hell of a year!!

Hope you can will be okay. Keep us posted how you and yours are doing.

[Pachamama]

35. Just left Oregon this morning (Eugene)...its raining cats and dogs

everywhere! When we drove to Portland from Eugene yesterday morning, it was lakes all along the highway in the fields on I5....And then we got into the Bay area in the evening and same thing....

I hope your watching your local flood advisories....don't mess around if there is a creek near your house.... :hi:

[OregonBlue]

80. Yah, it's bad. I've been out sweeping more water out of my garage

and office. We have both a creek and a river and my Dad's place is on the creek. Biggest problem we get is brush backing up on the creek, causing dams that burst all of a sudden and inundate the whole valley. It's pretty freaky. We had planned to go to Portland for the weekend but don't dare leave right now.

More rain on the way. Ick!! It's very cold here, just above freezing so working out in this is awful. We're on our way to Thailand in the middle of the month. Can't wait. Hope this is over by then or else we won't be able to leave.

Glad you're somewhere safer!!

[earth mom]

113. Sorry to hear what you are going through! I'm in Oregon-Willamette Valley

and the rain has been unreal! We have a creek just a couple of blocks away and a very large river less than 2 miles away...don't really know what to expect because another big storm is predicted for Sunday night. :scared:

Sending good vibes your way! Take care! :grouphug:

[xultar]

31. Be safe! I'll be thinking of you and your family.

[AlCzervik]

33. My thoughts are with you, we are waiting to see if the levees will hold

and we are hoping for no flooding.

[demnan]

36. I'll keep you in my thoughts today.

n/t

[Gregorian]

41. I hope you survive this! I'm almost on an island up here.

It really is bad. My folks are in Healdsburg, and lost some huge trees yesterday. And almost their water system.
I'm in Oregon, and my creeks overflowed yesterday. And the power was out half of the day. I had to pull out the generator.

And I fear to see what the water looks like today. I don't think I'm in any kind of threat YET. But it's getting wild as anything I've ever seen here.


All we can do is wait. It's pretty hectic.

I look at it this way- the last of 2005 is on it's way out. HANG IN THERE!!!!

[SW FL Dem]

44. Stay safe and as dry as you can

We are sending all our good thoughts and prayers your way.

[katinmn]

45. Thank goodness you woke up when you did.

Amazing that they gave you no warnings.

Hope you find a good spot to park it for a few days (no pun intended) and that damage is minimal.

:hug:

[Gormy Cuss]

46. Update for you from KRON

They're reporting that San Anselmo's downtown is essentially a river right now.

[MsKandice01]

47. A TINY bit of good news for you

I just saw on KRON 4 that the heavy rain in your area is wrapping up right now. It's supposed to taper off now, at least for the rest of the day. Hang in there you guys!

[meganmonkey]

48. Hang in there!!!!

My thoughts are with you and your family

:hug:

[newyawker99]

49. My thoughts are with you Pachamama. Stay safe and I

hope you and the kids find shelter soon.


:hug:

[havocmom]

50. Pachamama, save battery for getting emergency info

but check in with DU whenever possible so we know you are OK. Lots of folks here love you and will be holding our collective breath.

To all you left coasters: be careful and make plans on where to go if you find your 'hood is going the way Pachamama's did.

Hang tight, Pachamama. Sending good energy to your kitties at the house for you.

:hug:

[lonestarnot]

51. O my gosh! Be safe. I'll be thinking of you and your family.

[EFerrari]

52. The storm is moving south and east. It's supposed to

let up a little bit until later, too. I hope the reporting is right :(

[Don Claybrook]

53. Do you have a car charger for your phone & laptop? n/t

[fed-up]

54. Here are some emergency phone #'s for marin co

and other flood info for those in flood prone areas

http://www.co.marin.ca.us/depts/ES/main/EEP/weather/flood.cfm

EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
To report flooding on roads in Marin County, call [phone].
To report flooding at a pump station in Marin County, call [phone].
To report flooding after 5:00 pm or on weekends, call [phone].
To find out whether your property is above or below the flood stage water level and learn about the history of flooding for your region, call your city or town Planning Department or the Marin County Community Development Agency if you live in an unincorporated area.
Call the Marin County Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program [phone] for a copy of their erosion control brochures.
Call the Marin Sheriff's Office of Emergency Services [phone] for other preparedness information.

EMERGENCY INFORMATION
Flood waters can be extremely dangerous. The force of six inches of swiftly moving water can knock people off their feet.
Roads may be closed because they have been damaged or are covered with water. Barricades are placed for your protection. If you come upon a barricade or a flooded road, go another way.
Flash flood waters move at very fast speeds and can roll boulders, tear out trees, destroy buildings, and obliterate bridges. Walls of water can reach heights of 10 to 20 feet and generally are accompanied by a deadly cargo of debris.
Cars can easily be swept away in just 2 feet of moving water. If a car stalls in flood water or flood waters rise around a car, it should be abandoned.
If you must walk or drive in areas that have been flooded, stay on firm ground. Flooding may have caused familiar places to change by eroding roads or walkways. It can hide debris and be very slippery.
Keep listening to the radio for news about what to do, where to go or places to avoid. Keep a battery operated radio at home. The all-news station in the San Francisco Bay Area is KCBS, 740-AM.
Simple weather radios (that broadcast only weather service reports) can be purchased for less than $25.

I lived in Marin/Sonoma Counties during the floods of 82 and 84. Now I am in Butte County where there are many road closures in the outlying valley and farmlands. This looks like a repeat of the '97 flooding of California. I have a sharp eye on the creek I live on (Butte Creek), but at least my house is on a knoll on the opposite side of the road from the creek.

I hope you can get dry and get to a safe place soon!

[AlCzervik]

55. well now my street is flooded.

[GardeningGal]

58. Where in CA are you?

I hope you're prepared to leave if you have to. I'll be thinking about all our DU'ers in northern California today.

[AlCzervik]

60. i'm just a little south of Sacramento in elk grove and i'm ready to go

if need be, i'm keeping an eye on the street right now and i'm hoping the rain will let up a little. Thanks for your thoughts, i'm actually a little scared this time.

[omega minimo]

89. Developers designed EG streets to act as culverts in flooding & the news

newscasters scare the shit out of people (unnecessarily :grrrr: :mad: ) during these conditions. If you are in an area post-Laguna development, the houses are packed too densesly to allow ground water absorption. The streets are INTENDED to act as channels for the water. Apparently they didn't tell residents this and the news loves to run video of the "scary" flooding.

Best coverage and info is on KCRA. Right now (10:30ish) there is a band of thundershowers coming thru over EG and Galt that will pass.....They opened the Sacramento weir earlier than planned (at 8:30ish this morn) which takes pressure off the Sac and American Rivers.

The undammed Consumnes River and the creeks are what EG need to watch for.

Watch KCRA and check the Dept. of Water Resources web site for info. DO NOT LET THE NEWS SCARE YOU UNECESSARILY. So far, the system is working as it is supposed to, being operated well (apparently) and this test of agency management may be "a good thing."

:hug:

[Spazito]

62. Be safe! Trust your instincts, if they say go, go!

Please keep us informed so we know you are safe!

[Pachamama]

56. Update: We "entered" the School & I'm in the Cafeteria!

Hello Duers: Well, I took some fellow Duers advice and went to see if I could get into the school....Conveniently, I found a door that was open and I managed to get into the building and found the cafeteria and dining hall....and there is food!!! We moved the Pachafamily into the dining hall, I found some rice krispies and milk (exp. Dec. 16th when school closed) but it is still good....kids are eating right now and the best part....Pachamama found a Cappucino machine...yes folks, even right now, as my house is under water and we are trapped, the well wishes and prayers of my fellow Duers obviously came through! We are safe dry and I have a hot Cappucino! :bounce:

Anyway, the freezer is loaded with food, there is bread etc.....we are set! I figure I'll keep a list of the food and items consumed and then repay the school....I'll write them a nice note and even a little "donation" to the school....

Meanwhile, Pachapapa just drove down the road...he said the water is really high and had to stop 3 blocks from our house where the water is basically a 5 ft river plus on our street.....he said the paramedics were in a boat trying to rescue an older neighbor who is wheelchair bound...he drove back and is going to attempt to go down to the house, access the situation and see if he can enter the house and rescue anything to the top floors and then see if he can go to the attic and grab our sleeping bags....

I'm going to log off here for a little while because I have "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" in the DVD drive on my laptop and am going to let the Pachababies watch it....

Not bad for a survivalist, eh? :eyes:

[meganmonkey]

59. Wow! Thanks for the update!

You are safe and sound, that is the most important thing. You have a safe place, no matter how long it lasts.

I hope your house and possessions are okay too...

Talke care of yourselves, and update us when you get a chance!!!!

:grouphug:

[Spazito]

61. Thanks for the update! I am glad you are now in the school, it is

safer, out of the wind and rain. I am sure it is helping the Pachababies feel more secure as well.

[in_cog_ni_to]

63. What a relief! I'm so glad you're safe!

:hug: Take care of those Pachababies! and I hope your hubby makes it back safe and sound.

[merh]

66. We are here, to help you stay connected

My thoughts and prayers are with you. :hug:

[Tsiyu]

68. You are a survivor!

Blessings sent your way, and so glad to hear you found some comfort for you and the Pachababies.

An adventure they'll remember, for sure! And they will remember how calm and confident and competent their Pachamama was!

Hang in there :grouphug:

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

69. What a pleasure to read this update!

thanks for keeping us all posted!

[Garbo 2004]

72. Fantastic! At least you have dry shelter and food. And a DVD for the

kids. And best of luck with your house. Helluva way to end the year. Let us know how it goes.

[Blue Diadem]

79. So glad to read you found a safe building to stay in..

Sounds like things are at least somewhat comfortable there for now. Hopefully the storms/flooding won't last very long and your home will be ok. I sure hope your elderly neighbor will be ok.

I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers.

[faithnotgreed]

82. wow....

how amazing and wonderful that such a gift should be opened - so to speak - for you and family
of course your quick thinking and response may have had a little something to do with that ~~

you and all those in the floodwaters reach are in our hearts and prayers

[leftchick]

99. you go pachagirl!

peace love and hugs to your family. I am glad you all are safe.

:loveya:

[merh]

64. I'm sending out prayers and positive energies for you Pachamama

I am so glad you got out and were able to save your docs and photos and your lap top. It is so important to have that life line to the outside. :hug:

I know what it is like to be in that situation and to not know when it will end and what you will find when it does end.

Hold tight and dry off as best you can. You and your family are safe, call the local authorities and let them know where you are and ask about a shelter.

My prayers are with you. :hug:

[LWolf]

65. Sending warm, dry thoughts your way, Pachamama.

Several hundred miles north, we've got some of your storm. Not likely to flood here, though; the river is a couple of miles from the house in a steep, deep canyon. It will be rising; the snow that feeds it further to the south has buried my mom about 45 miles away. Her house has no heat but the wood stove, she has 18 inches of fresh snow (on top of several previous storms' worth), and at 67 has shoveled her way down to slick ice to make a path to feed horse and chickens. We've got her on a local guy's list to come clear her 40 ft drive, and the 3 foot berm the snowplows on the road left blocking it.

It looks to be a hard winter here on the west coast; hang on. I'm keeping good thoughts for you, yours, and your home.

[troubleinwinter]

67. Yowza! I am in Santa Rosa

We are OK, not near creeks or rivers. But this is a really bad one. Napa Valley is and/or is going to be badly flooded. As is Russian River area, and Marin County.

I am glad you are safe pachamama and family!

Thanks for this thread.... because of this thread, I looked at some of the weather site warnings and called my son-in-law in Novato. He was readying to go to work in San Francisco. He's an Executive Chef at a big hotel and is supposed to put on a New Years party. Pffft. I told him he'd better check some sites, as #101 is closed in many areas through Marin County. Told him to take a change of clothes, cuz even if he gets through, he may not get back.

The rain has stopped for the moment here, though the wind is RAGING. Trees will be toppling because of the saturated ground and wind. Very dangerous.

Though the rain may stop in certain areas, it is the RUNOFF that poses flooding danger! It is still dangerous, even if rain has paused!!!

Thanks again, pachamama, and best wishes to you and your family.

[merh]

70. Hey Trouble

Glad you are safe. :hug:

Here is the current watches & warnings page from noaa

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/alerts/ca.html#CAC075.MTRFLWMTR.122400

[troubleinwinter]

75. Thanks for that, merh

"DISASTROUS FLOODING IS EXPECTED ACROSS THE ENTIRE NAPA VALLEY.
AT 21.0 FEET...SEVERE FLOODING WILL OCCUR IN CALISTOGA"

My husband had planned to attend a small party in Calestoga tonite. Guess what... I aint lettin' him go. Plus, to get there, he'd have to drive over the hilly range where the trees in saturated soil tend to fall onto motorists!

Looks like this will be the worst flood yet.

During our last bad floods about 9 years ago, my daughter was working at the County Animal Shelter, and they went out onto the Russian River in boats to save the pets. Currently, our shelters are completely full with Katrina pets (yup, all the way here in California). Looks like our family pets may have to open their home to a few guests.

I was talking to my daughter about this yesterday, and she was very concerned about the people on the river. I told her that CLINTON'S FEMA gave assistance to the people after the floods to raise their homes onto stilts or put them up onto garage constructions as protection from this type of flood, so I hope many will do better in this one.

[merh]

77. You and yours and all in that area are in my prayers.

FEMA is a total disappointment today, I pray that they have learned from the mistakes they made here and are able to help folks affected by this flooding.

Rising waters are scarey as hell :scared:

Take care and keep me informed. :hug:

[fed-up]

74. This might help your son, stuff to carry in car, road closure info

http://www.oes.ca.gov/Operational/OESHome.nsf/ALL/DDA0E7798CB05012882570E700792A5D?OpenDocument

OES is encouraging all Californians to act on the following 10 tips in preparation for the coming storms:

Collect important documents (i.e., insurance policies, vital records) that you should take with you if you need to evacuate.
Have an easy to carry emergency supply kit on hand with at least – food, water, medications, flashlight, battery-powered radio, rain gear, and a first aid kit.
Keep your car fueled in case power is cutoff to local gas stations.
Identify the safe routes from your home or office to high ground.
Establish an out-of-state “family contact” so that friends and relatives will know who to call to get information about where you are.
Keep sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, lumber and other materials handy for waterproofing.
If ordered to evacuate, do so immediately. If you’re stranded, move to your roof so rescuers can see you.
Avoid flooded roadways and waterways. Just six inches of water can sweep you away.
If your car stalls in water, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground.

I also posted this on LBN
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/alerts/ca.html#CAC075.MTRFLWMTR.122400

Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for California
Issued by the National Weather Service
This page contains watches, warnings and advisories that are in effect for California. This file is usually updated about every two minutes. This same information is available in other file formats including the XML based RSS and CAP formats. Comments and Feedback are welcome about this product.

http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/

1-800-427-7623 (800-GAS-ROAD)
US 101

IS CLOSED 1 MI SOUTH OF THE MARIN/SONOMA CO LINE /AT SAN ANTONIO RD/ - DUE
TO FLOODING - A DETOUR IS AVAILABLE

IS CLOSED AT THE MARIN/SONOMA CO LINE - DUE TO FLOODING - A DETOUR
IS AVAILABLE

[cally]

71. I'm sorry

I'm glad you are safe. I'm going to check on our house now. I saw the warnings but I had no idea it would get this bad. :hug: I live in SR.

[slackmaster]

73. San Diego is still dry

But I'm getting my umbrella ready for this afternoon.

[Beam Me Up]

76. "Major Flooding in North Bay"

Hope you stay safe and warm, Pachamama. My loft is leaking like a sieve.

Wet winter storms hit Northern California; mudslide injures one
By LISA LEFF, Associated Press Writer
Saturday, December 31, 2005

The first of two powerful winter storms barreled through Northern California early Saturday, prompting mudslides and flooding through much of the state's wine country.

One woman was injured when a mudslide destroyed her home in Santa Rosa shortly before midnight. It took firefighters nearly an hour to free her from the mud and debris, said Santa Rosa Fire Battalion Chief Andy Pforsich. She was taken to the hospital with a broken leg.

Major flooding began early Saturday with some areas reporting record water levels. The Napa River was 25 feet in Napa and 20 feet upstream in St. Helena. Forecasters said the river would crest at 28 feet late Saturday morning in Napa.

Police and fire officials there were urging residents along the river to evacuate, city spokeswoman Jenny Gomez said. Flooding was already affecting areas of downtown near the river.

Forecasters said severe flooding was expected in Calistoga, St. Helena and Yountville, with numerous homes and businesses affected.

In the Sonoma area, firefighters were attempting to rescue residents of a mobile home park, where four feet of rushing water sent at least one home off its foundation, said Division Chief Bob Norrbom with the Sonoma Valley Fire Authority.

Two people were rescued, and members of the swift water rescue team were searching for a third, Norrbom said. Several cars were floating through the park.

"If the Sonoma Creek continues to spill over its blanks we're going to have some problems," Norrbom said, adding numerous streets and homes were already flooded.

Nearly all small creeks and streams in Sonoma County have overflowed their banks. The southbound lanes of Highway 101 were closed near Novato due to roadway flooding.

Flood warnings from Sonoma County across the state to the Nevada border were in effect through Saturday.

Officials urged people with homes in hilly coastal areas to monitor the rain totals while collecting valuables, identifying escape routes and gathering emergency supplies in case mudslides make evacuations necessary.

More: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2005/12/31/state/n034036S85.DTL

[NancyG]

78. I'm in Monte Rio and Russian River is 3' over flood stage

I'm on a ridge, so won't flood, but won't be able to get out once River Rd floods. A tree turned over a car down the road anyway, the only way out of this one-lane road in the redwoods. Wind is blowing like a banchee. A big boom happened a half hour ago, probably a propane tank. I'm thankful the electricity is still on. Usually goes out in a regular rain. The electric and phone lines are on the ground a hundred feet away from another tree falling last night.

Guess I won't be going to the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgance Bingo Night at the Oddfellows Hall tonight. Really.

Happy New Year.

These are the websites I'm watching.
http://www.paulgrosso.com/river

http://www.weatherunderground.com/radar/radblast.asp?zoommode=pan&prevzoom=zoom&num=6&frame=0&delay=15&scale=1.000&noclutter=0&ID=DAX&type=N0R&showstorms=0&lat=38.46731949&lon=-123.01788330&label=Monte%20Rio,%20CA&map.x=400&map.y=240&scale=1.000¢erx=400¢ery=240&showlabels=1&rainsnow=0&lightning=0&lerror=20&num_stns_min=2&num_stns_max=9999&avg_off=9999

http://www.guerneville.net/wx.htm

http://www.paulsweather.com/

[xmas74]

81. Good luck to you.

I've been through a flood ('93 and '95, one of which actually wiped a town off the map. It no longer is inhabitable). If the school is in a safe spot stay there! Don't go out unless you absolutely have to(in case of the school flooding). Someone will check there eventually.
Stay safe, warm and try to stay dry.
And 2005 has sucked all the way around.

[fed-up]

84. video of flooding on kron4.com

http://www.kron4.com/Global/story.asp?S=4304685&nav=5D7l

Storms Bring Flooding to Much of North Bay
Email to a Friend Printer Friendly Version
Flooding Reported in Napa, Sonoma & Marin

Posted December 31, 2005 at 7:45 a.m.

SONOMA, NAPA, & MARIN COUNTIES (KRON) -- A series of strong storms that has hit the Bay Area since Friday is causing damage and flooding in many areas, particularly in the North Bay.

In Santa Rosa part of a hillside collapsed into the yards of two homes causing damage to one of them. The mudslide happened on Montgomery Street near Kashmir Road. A couple of cars and a boat were damaged. Firefighters rescued a woman after mud went into her home. Rushing water on the street forced authorities to evacuate the neighborhood.

In downtown Napa, severe flooding is reported, particularly in the area around Trancas Street and Silverado Trail.

And in Marin County there are reports of widespread flooding. Photographer Brian Carmody told KRON 4's Marty Gonzalez and Isabel Duron that downtown San Anselmo has experienced major flooding. Carmody says there's extensive damage throughout many parts of Marin County.

(Copyright 2005, KRON 4, All rights reserved.)

I just went outside and there is are huge black clouds to the west of me (Chico, Butte County)

Also just saw a highway patrol go up my street (which runs along Butte Creek). I wonder if they are doing road closures farther up...

[NancyG]

85. Emergency evacuation of lower Russian River

Emergency Alert System just came on that we are to evacuate, but no way to get to out from our road outside Monte Rio. I'll be okay riding it out. If elec stays on, I'll be a happy camper.

[Spazito]

86. Stay safe!

My thoughts are with all those who are in this frightening situation, please stay in contact with us so we know you are all safe!

[merh]

90. Stay safe.

You are in my prayers. :hug:

[billyskank]

92. Praying for you

:pals:

[southlandshari]

93. you are all in my thoughts and prayers, NancyG!

Please keep posting so we know you are ok!!

:hug:

[auntAgonist]

95. NancyG please stay safe,

good wishes and prayers coming your way!

I cannot imagine :(

[lucca]

87. We are off to get sand bags.

...Also live in Marin County (across the street from a creek).
Water is rising, and will be high tide in 2 hours.

Be safe everyone.

[Maiden England]

88. Here's probably the best weather forum on the net

http://www.storm2k.org/wx/

A really good weather site is also at http://www.wunderground.com/

Lots of pro and amateur mets. If you can't find the answer you need, ask, and someone will tell you.
Take care of yourself. I'll be sending dry thoughts your way.

[fed-up]

91. Flood report from Fairfax, CA at sfgate.com

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/went/msglist?forum=storm&msgPerPage=25&postnum=

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/went/msglist?SelectionText=&postnum=3&prevpostnum=6&single=1&msgPerPage=1&forum=storm

3 Fairfax was flooded... JOry
Fairfax, CA 12/31 10:31

Just wanted to let folks know that a good portion of Fairfax (and I would assume everywhere else towards the Bay) was under water last night. My fiancee & I sand-bagged our patio door around 10pm, since the rain was coming down faster than the drainage seemed capable of handling it. So far, that hasn't been a problem spot. However, the street we live off was under about a foot of water.

After assessing whether there was anything we could do about the flooding, we decided to carefully journey into town to check on my recording studio. I'm glad to report that the studio fared just fine. It was high and dry and all the drainage appeared to be working properly.

Downtown Fairfax, however, was under about 2 feet of water. We checked out some of the local businesses so we could call folks and let them know the status. We also checked out the creek behind the Women's Club. At around 4:30am, the water level of the creek was at the foot bridge. About 30 minutes later the bridge was not there. (I have not been back yet to verify that the bridge is indeed gone.)

Power did not go out once tonight, nor did cable internet or fone service.

When we returned home around 5:15am, we started calling our friends who live in the flatland areas of town. Only one of them was aware of the flooding at all. Fortunately, most were managing to stay dry, although they were trapped in their homes. One, whose business is in the area of town that was flooding, let me know an hour ago that the timing of my waking him was perfect, as he managed to get to his business just before the water really started causing major damage to property.

Help is needed in cleaning up the town, though. A Volunteer center has been set up in front of Bookbeat. That's at 28 Bolinas. If you check in there you can get direction as to where help is needed most, and it will help the Town get reimbursed with FEMA money.

Bolinas downtown businesses need help filling sandbags at the Pavilion parking lot; and also help clearing mud from their shops and stores, from Mr. Kim's 7/11 and down along Bolinas and Broadway. Street gutters need to be cleaned of mud. Mud needs to be moved to high ground, especially out of the path of oncoming water.

Volunteers can be reached at: John, 706-9229, or Trudi at 509-5818.

[gardenista]

124. Hugs and warm, dry thoughts to you!

You are a good neighbor!

[Blue_In_AK]

94. Oh, my God, I'm sorry to hear this...

Marin County is my second favorite place in the world -- I spent several happy years in Bolinas in my hippie days. Are they doing okay over on the coast?

[BrotherBuzz]

98. Up on the mesa in Bolinas be a very nice place to ride it out

as long as you don't have any Eucalyptus trees nearby. I suspect the road out there could become intermittent, what with slides on the mountain and wind driven high tides along the lagoon. With full larder and a nice wood stove one could make an adventure of it.

[Blue_In_AK]

101. I worry about the houses on the cliffs

and the ones downtown that are on the hillsides. I just love that little town. We were back there this summer for the first time since 1974...not much had changed. Even some of my old friends were still there.

[BrotherBuzz]

105. And the Bolinas sign is still missing...

some things never change and returning to Bolinas is kinda like entering a time warp. Those houses fear ocean storm surge erosion and earthquakes more then floods. Remember, the great San Andreas fault is at their doorstep - they sit on ground zero.

[Blue_In_AK]

106. We used to make jokes about the inmates running the asylum...

:rofl: I was so proud to take my husband there (he had never been) and to know right where to turn off. I had so many happy days there from 1971 to 1974. Nothing to do but lay around on the beach getting high and playing music with my friends. What a life!

[DistressedAmerican]

96. Freankin "A" All Of My Buddies Are Washing Away!

Holy cow lady! I will be thinking of you. Get dry and warm and keep us updated!

DA:pals:

[xxqqqzme]

97. http://www.wunderground.com/

is the site we go 2 when we check on the weather. I have many friends in NoCal - a little family - so I have been using the site alot over the last few days.

[proud patriot]

100. Our Fence came down, and a friend's creek flooded his house

:-( Sunvalley Mall has a leaky roof ,
Pleasant Hill creek Flooded ...

Going to help friend sandbag .

Grandpa will call the insurance Monday
about the fence ...Egads

Stay Safe out there we'll get a small
break in the rain tonight before
tomorrows storm hits us . I only hope
it's not as big as today's ...

Love ya ,
Trish

[merh]

103. You and yours are in my prayers, proud patriot!

:patriot:

Stay safe and well. :hug:

[roody]

102. What's Bush up to?

What inane activity will he be doing while N. California floods?

[MiniMe]

104. He's on vacation, can't interrupt it, bein pres is hard work!

[Garbo 2004]

108. What's the Gubernator up to? Anyone heard anything out of him so far?

One would have thought he and his PR staff would be racing to the nearest microphones and cameras to tell us how he was going to take care of Caleeforneeah's peepul. Maybe a nice photo op of him carrying a child out of a home or something. I'm sure that wouldn't take long to stage arrange.

[rumpel]

107. OMG, stay safe. I always check the weather at

http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/lox/ but that is LA, we are also under flashflood watch, it's pouring right now.

marin area info is here:

http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mtr/

[annabanana]

109. last update, 8:38am pacific time

I hope they've been evacuated from the school...

[Pastiche423]

110. My heart is in my throat

My daughter lives in Mill Valley. Does anyone have any info on that area? (IIRC, Marin City is the town next door to Mill Valley.)

The last I heard from her was yesterday around noon as she was heading to visit friends in San Rafael.

Please someone, tell we where to go to find some info.

[troubleinwinter]

112. Everybody seems safe....

Listening & watching local TV all day. Flooding badly in Marin and Sonoma counties, Napa valley. Lots of roads are flooded all over. People are safe, if uncomfortable, except the lower Russian River (Guernevillle, Monte Rio areas)... residents are told to evacuate immediately, the county is providing 'high-water vehicles' to bring people out from Guerneville Mem. Bldg.(you CAN bring pets)... it's already too late to drive. The river will flood big-time tonite. Slides are a concern, too. (take care, NancyG !)

Another very bad storm due tomorrow mid-day.

[NancyG]

116. Monte Rio checking in

GUERNEVILLE BRIDGE 3 PM STAGE 39.9 FT
FORECAST TO CREST NEAR 45.0 FT EARLY SUNDAY MORNING
THEN FORECAST TO RECEDE TO NEAR 41.0 FT NEAR NOON SUNDAY
MONITOR STAGE 29.0 FT, FLOOD STAGE 32.0 FT

My friend's B&B will be flooded to the top of the first floor if the Russian River crests at 45'. Now it has entered the first floor.

I'm on a ridge and still have electricity, but going stir crazy. Got to venture out with hard hat a little today, in what is sort of like the eye of the storm, really just 2 storms back-to-back. Saw a car being held from rolling down the hill by the redwoods in the way. 45' crest would equal the January 1, 1997 flood. Because the high tide is higher than usual, it's flooding more than it would, some say.

[troubleinwinter]

118. Thanks for checking in

... been thinking about you!

Glad we have a break between storms, hope a bit of it will have a shot at draining off, though the lower Russian River in your town gets rising waters for a great many hours after the rain ceases.

Husband was going to a party in Calistoga tonite, but the hosts called it off, they are flooded.

Three families in Napa were rescued from the flood, and they are Katrina survivors! How terribly sad.

Take care, NancyG. Hope your electricity holds and ya got candles, just in case!

[NancyG]

119. Thanks for the trouble, Trouble.

That's very sweet of you. (Sweet, when's the last time anyone called you 'sweet'? Not my normal vocabulary. Shit, thanks for being so fucking nice.)

Lots of batteries and water in pots all over the kitchen. I'm bored to tears. Not just weekend TV, but New Year's crap weekend TV.

Friends living down in town are not bored right now though. I suppose the neighbors got together and pulled the chairs out of the Rio Theater, made from a quonset hut. I can't safely walk down the road to get anywhere. Widowmakers are the broken-off redwood tops that are hung up in the trees and the wind breaks loose and they fly down like a spear. Proof to me of the Gravity "Theory".

[troubleinwinter]

130. Yup, I am more presicesly called

fucking nice than sweet.

I think you are just stuck and marooned for a coupla days.

Good news is that Sunday storm shouldn't be so violent... but will probably go through to Monday.

All ya got is crap New Years TV? Aint got a bottle of the hard stuff? If ya got a bottle, go for it and give those idiots a piece of yer mind at their flat glass face.

I hear the river is rising. Glad to hear the neighbors maybe saved the theater seats.

Well, yer marooned, but I'll set here and babysit ya and try to give you some trouble while you're stuck.

Maybe tomorrow I can even say somethin' clever. Not tonite. Hubby brought a bottle of North County wine, and I'm sorta stupid! Plus stressed over watching the situation around the area.

[fed-up]

117. Here are some threads on flooding in Marin County (and nearby areas)

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/went/msglist?forum=storm&msgPerPage=25&postnum=

go to the above link for any of the message threads listed below and I see that more are being added throughout the day

49 220 mph jet stream, SFO delayed KE024 12/31 16:02
48 Dominican U in San Rafael? Amy 12/31 15:57
47 Party Tent on another roof Tent Retriever 12/31 15:56
46 Lost trees and driveway Ken 12/31 15:42
45 Summer projects Yeah!!! 12/31 15:41
44 Driving Last Nite Hantasni 12/31 15:40
42 Blackout John D. 12/31 15:39
41 Mendocino County Eric 12/31 15:31
40 mucho rain! natasha 12/31 15:10
39 Manteca OK Richard 12/31 15:09
38 Re: serious wet here in San Anselmo Mary 12/31 15:08
37 A darkened Twin Peaks Bitzy 12/31 15:03
36 Backyard became a lake Jane 12/31 14:32
35 Awnings blown down RitchGuy 12/31 14:29
34 Storm at Baker Beach Maura 12/31 14:09
33 Upper Lucas Valley Mud Slide Mark 12/31 14:05
32 Survived Guerneville Trip Jim O. 12/31 14:00
31 Truck under bridge lohan 12/31 13:52
30 storm in Richmond District Elaine 12/31 13:51
29 Art project partially blew away Art Guy 12/31 13:49
28 I80 Flooded in Fairfield Franklin 12/31 13:42
27 Bright and sunny in Alameda Alamedan 12/31 13:40
26 wet&wild carol 12/31 13:16
25 River of Water in Vallejo Franklin 12/31 13:16
24 Crazy storm Michael 12/31 13:09
25 River of Water in Vallejo Franklin 12/31 13:16
24 Crazy storm Michael 12/31 13:09
23 Rain, Wind, and Fire Buffdawgus 12/31 13:06
22 Flooded Bob 12/31 13:03
21 waterfall in backyard Kris 12/31 12:59
20 not much in concord Brinke Guthrie 12/31 12:56
19 storm brownie 12/31 12:53
18 Very windy in Pleasanton Jenny 12/31 12:52
17 Pacifica KQ 12/31 12:51
16 serious wet here in San Anselmo Pamela Bennett 12/31 12:48
15 Pac Heights trees Ruben 12/31 12:45
14 Not much to report from Alameda jb 12/31 12:45
13 Lake Merritt/ Trees down R. Glenn 12/31 12:20
12 Re: flooding Judy Armstrong 12/31 11:59
11 Bodega Bay Highway Judy Armstrong 12/31 11:49
10 re: photos vk 12/31 11:28
9 Flooding in Rohnert Park Fred Schouten 12/31 11:21
8 palo alto area vk 12/31 11:16
7 Petaluma Flooded Rob 12/31 10:56
6 T-storms Super User 12/31 10:38
5 flooded roads Richard C. 12/31 10:37
4 flooding Richard C. 12/31 10:34
3 Fairfax was flooded... JOry 12/31 10:31
2 Worst I have seen Patrick 12/31 10:04
1 Downpour Super User 12/31 09:57


and a local three page news story
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=1459606


P.S. I think her thread title is for Marin County, I also thought she meant Marin City at first read. :)

Sun was out here for most of the day, but I did pass three "Flooded" signs on my way into town where the water must have gone over the road earlier today. Butte Creek is fat and full of rushing water, no danger of flooding yet.

Sending high and dry thoughts to all that need them.

[fed-up]

120. Storm damage extensive throughout Marin (Marin Independant Journal)

http://www.marinij.com/marin/ci_3360320

Storm damage extensive throughout Marin

...Hardest hit are Fairfax, San Anselmo and Mill Valley...

...Flooded areas include the Sycamore area of Mill Valley, Kentfield, Greenbrae and much of Ross Valley. Independent Journal staffers report that much of downtown San Anselmo was under two to four feet of water....

...Other storm-related information:

The northbound 101 exit to Mill Valley and Stinson Beach is flooded and has been closed off by the California Highway Patrol. Waters from Richardson Bay, up to one to three feet deep, it appeared, are threatening to flood offices and businesses at the large commercial complex adjacent to the exit.

East Blithedale appears to be the only way into Mill Valley. Southbound Camino Alto has been blocked off at the Community Center. Northbound traffic is still being allowed. The lagoon has spilled over onto to Miller and has turned soccer fields and the dog park and the running and bike tail into a lake. Water appears to be threatening to move across the road to the city's main Fire Station at 1 Hamilton Drive.

The Mill Valley Police Department says that sand bags are available at the city's fire stations....

Hope this helps

[gardenista]

126. Hi Pastiche

I know this is a little late coming in, but as far as I've heard and seen, the major flooding in Mill Valley and Marin City are mainly at HWY 101 exits and entrances.

Ross, Fairfax, and San Anselmo are harder hit.

I drove over to Marin City when the power came back up, and though the 101 exit and entrance was completely flooded out at hight tide, the rest of Marin City looked ok.

Edited to say I hope you daughter's doing ok!

[Pastiche423]

132. Thank you so much!

I still haven't heard from her, though I know the family she was visiting in San Rafael would have contacted me if anything were to happen to her.

Many moons ago, I took the Marin bus from the City where I worked, to the stop in front of "the Persian rug place", as I call it (Is it still there?). I would walk to Laurel (at the 7-11), then trek up to the end of the street. Ah, youth!

Thank you again for checking it out and posting here. I greatly appreciate it.

[rustydad]

111. SoCal

We have had about 5 inches in Santa Barbara and at 2pm it looks to be clearing. A much bigger storm is set to hit tomorrow with predicts of 10 inches in the mountains and intensity of up to 1 1/2 inch per hour. The weather service says they have never seen such potential as the storm coming. At least the drought and fire season are over for now. Bob

[lovuian]

114. I think the Pacific Coast just got hit with a Tropical Storm

we had Allison and it dumped 23 inches on us... in two days
but the Pacific Coast maybe seeing the effects of Global Warming

Look out California you maybe getting Hurricanes soon too...

with the Ocean temperatures rising this could put a whole different look on the Pacific Coast...

[rustydad]

137. Latest

As of 10:30am Sunday rain is just starting and the latest forecast is for up to 20 inches in the coastal mountains of SoCal. Possible thunder storms, lightening, water spouts over the Pacific. High ground everyone. bob

[Cleita]

115. So sorry Pachamama.

I just saw your post. We were without electricity here for several hours so I couldn't fire up my computer.

Let us know how you are doing.

[fed-up]

121. More Storm stories from Sonoma County (Press Democrat)

http://www1.pressdemocrat.com/apps/pbcs.dll/frontpage

storm stories are the updates links at the top of the page

UPDATES
Road Conditions (4:53 p.m.)
Flooded neighborhood reminds residents of 1986 deluge (4:02 p.m.)
Petaluma homes flooded (2:31 p.m.)
Montgomery Drive mudslide (2:08 p.m.)
Several Napa cities experience major flooding (1:39 p.m.)
Russian River to crest at 2 a.m. Sunday (1:03 p.m.)
Approximately 200 homes in Mendocino County evacuated (12:24 p.m.)

[HeeBGBz]

122. Oh what another weather freakshow?

Be safe, Pachamama.

I just now saw this thread. Hope everyone is okay.

[fed-up]

123. A long, wet day - in pictures (I) and (II) Marin county flooding

http://www.marinij.com/marin/ci_3360731

http://www.marinij.com/marin/ci_3360828

[radio4progressives]

125. Things are really bad here in Sonoma Co. too, but i know it's worse

for you... Ross and Kentfield always has a ton more rain... and i guess you heard what happened in San Anselmo?

anyway, i'm on some rural property with a creek and a row of eucalyptus treets right behind my cabin - the wind was huricane cat 1 in the middle of the night and you guys got about 7 + inches dumped on you all in the middle of the night. The Russian River is expected to crest over the new bridge, and I woke this morning to a reporter, reporting in on his own situation where he came up to Guerneville on assignment, but found himself coming within 6 inches of drowning in his own SUV ..... driving through what he thought was a puddle in the road, and it turned out to be a washed out road - also heard that the waves crested on over to the HIGHWAY in BODEGA BAY!!!!

people who don't know, that's pretty damn high above the shoreline.. we're talking 20 foot cliffs and i'm not sure if that's even accurate, could be higher.

there are so many stories, hillside washed into a woman's home in the Montgomery Village area in Santa Rosa, and buried her halfway in the middle of the night last night. Fire fighters rescued her and she's recovering in the hospital.

The Levies broke in Fairfield and brand new homes were flooded and brand new cars destroyed from the damage.

This is insane here.. but they say the worst is over.. small break until tomorrow afternoon, will be raining and winds blowing hard for the next few days following the break.

basemenet studio flooded in the mainhouse, but a new dug trench should work for the next system we hope.

Pachamama if you can't get help in Marin, pm me... I'll see if I can't connect you up to people there...

[troubleinwinter]

131. I live very near Montgomery Village

But we are fine. The hills above us have slides, but are a distance away. I mostly worry about the folks in some areas in Marin Co., like pachamama in Ross. Also NancyG and others on the Russian River area.

We are at 180% of normal rainfall so far.

[merh]

134. Keep us informed trouble!

Sending out good vibes for you and yours!

(((((((hugs)))))))))

Hope that son-in-law is home and safe and dry.

[redacted]

135. So do we, Trouble,

and on the way to Oakland this afternoon we sat in traffic for about half an hour on 101 while gawkers looked at all the flooded fields in Telecom Valley and at the famous "corn maze" pumpkin patch, which was by that time a lake. We drove through areas where the freeway had obviously been closed because of flooding and mudslides around San Antonio Rd. In a few places the water was still just a few yards from the pavement. No difficulty on the way home tonight a short while ago; I just hope tomorrow is better and the next storm doesn't get here until late.

[gardenista]

127. Pachamama- they have opened a shelter at the Mill Valley Recreation Center

In case you are looking for a relocation spot.

The only way to get there is on E. Blitedale, the other exits south of there are flooded, and parts of Miller Ave are flooded, along with Camino Alto just south of the Recreation Center.

Hope you're doing ok!

Keeping you in my thoughts!

:hug:

[walldude]

128. Yikes.. Hope all of you are staying safe and dry

The weather has just gone beserk this year. We are getting incredibly high winds around Denver the last few weeks. Near hurricane force winds. I've been here 16 years and never seen anything like it.

[kestrel91316]

129. When I was in Ft Collins N of Denver 1974-1982,

we routinely got VERY high winds on the front range. In the spring of 1982 we got a chinook that blew gusts of 140 mph before it destroyed the weather equipment.

[politicasista]

133. Be safe and careful

Sending out good vibes. :hi:

[meganmonkey]

136. Still thinking of you!

Hope to get an update soon!

Take care!

kick

[Cleita]

138. Pachamama are you out there?

Is everything okay? I saw the flood footage on the news and it looks bad.

[proud patriot]

140. kick

Has she checked back in yet ?

[in_cog_ni_to]

141. KICK for Pachamama! We're worried about you!

Hope you're safe!

[EFerrari]

144. I'm just south of her. If there had been a catastrophe, we would

have heard,

The family is probably sheltering with friends or in a shelter they've set up in Marin. I know she'll post as soon as she can.

They must all be so TIRED from all of this. :(

[in_cog_ni_to]

154. Thank you. That's good to know.

:kick:

[TankLV]

142. Good luck and stay safe.

This is one of the reasons I find it hard to enjoy any holidays at all with all the suffering.

I feel that I'm so fortunate for the little problems I might have, to compared with all the loss and pain and suffering too many others have had to suffer.

But for the grace of "god" go I...

[nicknameless]

143. Another kick, Pachamama.

Hoping you're okay.

[EFerrari]

145. Kick

I'm sure you all are okay. I hope you're resting.

:kick:

[librechik]

146. Another STAY SAFE MARIN kick

for Pachamama and all the other left coasters

my heart flies out to you

[redacted]

147. Sonoma County/Marin Update

Hi everybody! We live in Sonoma County in Santa Rosa (right near you, Trouble in Winter, so if you see this, PM me we'd love to chat.)

The major rain seems to be over. A few showers will follow in the next day or so. It's not the worst we've ever seen here, but it was a nasty mess.

To the very best of my knowledge there were no fatalities in the area. We had a second storm today and the major freeways in the North bay have been closed in places. Hwy 12 and 29 will not be open for a while. I'll check the CHP report in a few and repost then.

Here are some photos of what San Anselmo looks like (very near Pachamama).

http://www.marinij.com

I am sure she is fine, and just hope she didn't get arrested for stealing those rice krispy treats

Guerneville is under water, and NancyG I am sure is unable to leave her home, but she said she was out of the flood plain and I am sure she is fine as well. Possibly without power. I'll try to check that. People in that area know floods, and it's usually pretty well defined who will flood and who will not.

Oh and we drove by Petaluma about 3 PM Saturday and it was already flooded -- I am guessing that even though it did not make the news -- it's a big muddy mess in areas.

Let's just hope it all drains quickly so my clients (mostly wineries) don't lose any vines.

Thanks for everyone's concerns. I'll post more in a bit and let's keep this kicked so when Pacha and Nancy come back they'll see it.

[NancyG]

148. Monte Rio here

I'm still hunkered down at home. Electricity on and off. Raining still.

My friend with an inn in Guerneville said on the phone to me that there's 6' of water in her main building. She's been stuck at her house down the road and can't get to her inn. 10 feet of floodwater on the road out, with a tree across her road with downed power line, so no boat has come for her. She has no electricity, so I call regularly and read the numbers from all the bridges on the Russian River and extrapolate when upstream water will hit us. I had no idea that it takes 18 hours for water to get here from Cloverdale. Also, looking at the numbers of what's being released from the reservoir. A lot of the problem is the changing of the river from meandering to vineyards straightening the river, which makes it faster. Also, shoring up the banks of the river to protect vineyards, makes the water flow faster and higher.

Santa Rosa released overflow crap from their shit processing plants today, so thanks for that. I drink that water.

My husband has been in South Bay with his mother in intensive care. She's in a regular room now and he's going to try to make it home Monday pm. I'll be asking neighbors about backroads as River Road is closed now.

Thanks to Trouble and all the others asking how I'm doing.

[nicknameless]

150. Geez Nancy. How awful! The Russian River area can be so treacherous

when the rainy season comes. I didn't know about vineyard owners tampering with the river's course.

You have so much going on now. Best thoughts and wishes to you and others in that poor, besieged area. Hope you get a safe, long dry spell soon. And surely hope your Mom-in-law recovers.

I know you wrote that your electricity is on/off, but you might consider getting some sort of purification system for your water.
I have a water distiller that runs on electricity. It takes a while to produce a gallon; still it's fine for my needs.

[troubleinwinter]

155. Vineyards are a big issue around this area...

Partly because of chemical spraying and destruction of biodiversity, but also because they pull all of the native vegitation out of hillsides and create huge erosion problems.

It's an issue of intense disagreement, because it is a huge $$ industry here.

[Tsiyu]

149. Another kick

I'm with you, redacted, hoping Pachamama didn't get picked up for "looting." You never know, these days!

Hopefully, she is resting with her hubby and kids in a shelter somewhere.

:kick:

[MiniMe]

151. Kick again

[librechik]

152. Good morning kick--Can California evacuees check in please?

I'll start a new thread in GD too (unless someone else did) --This one is super long

[NancyG]

153. Monte Rio electricity just back on..uh never mind.

Oops just went off.
I'm on UPS good for just a few minutes. Bye.

Still raining. Was supposed to stop today, but not going to. River going down as slow as old=timers have ever seen it. Still 8' over flood.

Is there a new thread?

Til I get power again....

[NancyG]

156. Here's the new thread...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x34073

[Pachamama]

157. PACHAMAMA FINALLY CHECKING IN!

Hello my friends!

First of all, I apologize about not checking in sooner....shortly after my last posting on Saturday morning as my family and I were refugees at a private school up the hill from our house, as I thought things were going well, the power went down. I didn't have much battery power in my laptop and I wanted to conserve it. Since there was no power anywhere in our neighborhood the last few days the last few days, there were obviously no wireless routers and internet connections available either....

Power is finally on and I'm able to report in...We went down to the house that morning to survey the damage...the water on our street had flooded the entire area at about 4+ feet...houses in our neighborhood were flooded in the 1st floors of houses and completely destroyed. We were "lucky"...Our house is somewhat elevated and the flood waters went into our basement, completely destroyed it and all our personal belongings, pantry, emergency supplies!!, water heater, washer/dryer, furnace, ducts etc down there...the water then rose up and, stopped at 1/4 inch below our floor boards to our first floor living area...

I guess the prayers of all my Duers and friends out there were received....we narrowly escaped more disaster....Meanwhile, the house is inhabitable...there is no heat or hot water and the creek that flooded our house is contaminated with dead animals (I saw a dead deer floating and even a bunny rabbit that was probably some poor child's pet) and dirty diapers floating that weren't ours (yuck). We have a clean up service coming tommorrow and we have de-humidifiers running non-stop right now to prevent mold and mildew from the moisture under the floors in the basement. We'd be willing to live in a house without hot water and heat and use space heaters, but the water restoration experts and the industrial hygienist we hired says that there is ecoli and other contaminants in the mud/water/silt in our basement and around the house and if we were to run space heaters to keep warm, it can encourage the growth of mold and mildew.

Meanwhile, we are staying at a friend's house and they have small kids our kids can play with. The hardest thing is we are trying to have some normalcy for the kids in this stressful time. I can deal with the stress, but I don't think they know how. My daughter's school in Ross was flooded, so school is not starting tommorrow and has been canceled all week.

I'm going to check out for now and check in tonite after the Pachababies are asleep and answer more questions and check in with you all and others that have been going through this devastation in California and ofcourse all my fellow DUers who have suffered and have been suffering through Katrina still. I feel that I am blessed and even though this is an awful situation, I cannot and will not even begin to compare it to the devastation and suffering that was endured by our Gulf Coast Bro's and Sisters.

Namaste and Thanks to all of you who have been sending your well wishes and thoughts to me and my family! I believe in the power of prayer and thought, and I think that you helped protect my family and home. Thank you :hug:

[cry baby]

158. Was getting worried, but so glad you and family are ok! nt

[Cleita]

159. Thanks for letting us know.

:grouphug: