Storm prompts flash flood warning

After hours of steady rain, the National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for Rohnert Park and Petaluma on Saturday afternoon, warning caution while driving or near local waterways.

By 5 p.m., initial reports showed Petaluma received approximately 3.85 inches of rain in 24 hours.

At 1:40 p.m., after 2.5 inches of rain on the Santa Rosa area since midnight, the weather agency issued the warning. It noted that some stream gauges indicate localized flooding.

Areas of particular danger of flooding included the western Laguna de Santa Rosa, western Rohnert Park and the lowermost areas of Mark West and Windsor creeks. East Petaluma and the Penngrove Park area were also under alert.

Rohnert Park Expressway was closed mid-day Saturday between Stony Point Road and Rancho Verde Drive because of flooding.

A flash flood warning means that flooding is occurring or is imminent, the weather service said.

From midnight to about 1 p.m., the latest storm dropped about 2.5 inches of rain on the Santa Rosa area, causing minor flooding and toppling some trees, apparently from soggy ground as it soaks up the deluge after months of dry conditions.

The storm hasn't been dramatic - howling winds, lightning, hail or worse - but has steadily dropped heavy rain all night and throughout Saturday so far.

The runoff may cause flooding of small creeks and streams as well as low-lying roads and underpasses. Public safety agencies urge drivers not to try to cross swiftly flowing water or water of an unknown depth.

It grew increasingly strong through mid-morning, dropping .58 inches of rain in Santa Rosa between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., according to the National Weather Service.

There were scattered reports throughout the county of trees down, including one that fell into a house on Bodega Avenue in Bodega Bay.

Public safety agencies reported several minor vehicle crashes, but no serious incidents as of mid-day.

The CHP urged drivers to be especially careful on Highway 101 at the Airport Boulevard construction zone, where standing water was reported.

Rohnert Park residents who are experiencing rising waters may pick up sand at the city corporation yard, 600 Enterprise Dr., but you must bring your own bags to fill.

PG&E reported one power outage in Sonoma County, in Monte Rio affecting 141 customers. The agency said the outage was reported about 5:30 a.m. It was estimated residents would have power restored by 9 p.m.

(You can reach Staff Writer Lori A. Carter at 762-7297 or lori.carter@pressdemocrat.com.)

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