Russian River cresting two feet over flood stage

The Russian River was due to crest at about 8 a.m. Wednesday at two feet over flood stage, causing minor flooding and high water kept Highway 37 near Novato closed in both directions, adding to major traffic issues for the morning commute.

The river was expected to reach 34.4 inches in Guerneville and then begin to drop and stay below flood levels, although another powerful storm was due to arrive Thursday. Flooding typically starts in Guerneville when the river gets higher than 32 feet.

Russian River Firefighter Jason Dooyes said no serious problems were reported during the night. “Just localized areas of flooding,” he said. “It’s not like it was three weeks ago.”

In northern Marin County, traffic reports indicated drivers were backed up heavily in Petaluma, in part from the closure, although the morning commute typically includes a Petaluma slow down.

“It does look like we’ve got a considerable backup on 37 coming toward Novato due to the closure. We do have officers out there,” said CHP Officer Andrew Barclay.

Highway 37 drivers were being diverted around the swamped lanes to Atherton Avenue, which Novato police have said creates traffic problems in the city.

The Highway 37 problem was expected to last for at least a few more days with projections for tomorrow’s heavy rains, Barclay said.

The weather continued to impact school days for students in the river area. Wednesday Guerneville School and Monte Rio Union School District were closed.

More than two dozens roads remained closed in the county due to flooding, fallen trees and mudslides, according to a Sonoma County public works report.

You can reach Staff Writer Randi Rossmann at 521-5412 or randi.rossmann@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter@rossmannreport.