LOCAL NEWS: Floodwaters in the Bay Area now take the lives of two unidentified men, according to reports from Sonoma County authorities.
An atmospheric river has recently swept through Northern California, unleashing a series of intense storms that have significantly impacted the region.
This weather phenomenon has brought not only heavy rainfall but also strong winds, leading to increased flood risks, particularly in the North Bay area, which bore the brunt of the storm’s impacts.
The atmospheric river has primarily affected smaller streams, creeks, and local roads, causing widespread flooding.
As the rain continued, the effects were felt across the entire Bay Area, with strong winds toppling trees and resulting in isolated power outages in various neighborhoods.
In addition to the wind and rain battering the region, the Sierra Nevada mountains faced their own challenges, as heavy snowfall and strong gusts made travel conditions exceedingly hazardous.
Tragically, the severe weather has also claimed lives.
In the North Bay, two men lost their lives due to flooding-related incidents.
The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office reported that one man drowned after attempting to drive through water that reached approximately six feet deep.
Another victim was discovered in a creek in Santa Rosa.
As the storm subsides, residents and business owners are grappling with the aftermath of the flooding.
Russell Rottkamp, who operates The Hotbox food truck near Highway 116 and Neely Road in Guerneville, described the scene after three relentless days of rain.
The Russian River overflowed in several areas, sending torrents of water toward homes and businesses.
“It was really bad. This whole area was flooded,” Rottkamp recounted, pointing out that water had surged into the game room at Peewee Golf and Arcade, reaching heights of about three feet.
Despite the extensive water damage, Rottkamp noted that it was fortunate that the floodwaters did not bring in much mud.
Cleanup efforts are now underway, with Rottkamp and his team power washing everything—from the food truck to the miniature golf course—to remove debris, mud, and silt left behind by the rushing river.
The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department reported that one of the tragic incidents occurred when a man drove his vehicle into flooded Mays Canyon Road in Guerneville.
The water was so deep that it submerged the car, prompting a call from a passerby who noticed a vehicle floating in the current.
“Saturday, around 11:30, a call came in from a person who saw a car bobbing in the water,” said Misti Wood, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s department.
This incident took place just 150 yards from Peewee Golf and Arcade, where Rottkamp works.
In another unrelated event, emergency responders found a second man deceased in Piner Creek in Santa Rosa, near a popular hiking trail.
Residents reported that the creek’s water level rose dramatically—by at least six feet—following the intense rainfall.
Authorities are urging the public to exercise caution in the wake of such flooding.
“Our message to the public always is to turn around, don’t drown.
It’s not worth your life,” Wood emphasized, highlighting the unpredictability of floodwaters.
“We don’t know how deep it is.
It’s hard to tell if there is a current.
We don’t even know what the surface is underneath.”
As the Bay Area begins the recovery process from this atmospheric river event, community members are reminded of the power of nature and the importance of heeding safety warnings during severe weather conditions.
With ongoing efforts to restore normalcy, the resilience of the affected residents and businesses will be key in overcoming the challenges posed by this unprecedented storm.
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