Russian River Floodwaters Begin to Recede

The Russian River reached a crest of 45.4 feet late Wednesday night, just short of the projected peak of 46 feet. The river has started to recede and is expected drop to below flood stage of 32 feet early Friday morning. Preliminary estimates indicate as many as 3,000 structures have been damaged during the flood.

The evacuation orders issued Tuesday remain in effect. Once floodwaters have receded below flood level and it is determined that it is safe for residents to return, county officials will begin to allow residents to re-enter the lower river area. County Departments are working hard to get people home as early as Friday afternoon. More information will be forthcoming on SoCoEmergency.org.

Sonoma County Sheriff’s Deputies, local police and fire departments, the National Guard, and California Highway Patrol personnel spent the past two days performing rescues, closing roads and coming to the aid of residents caught in the storm. There were 59 people rescued during the flood event by rescue teams using high-water vehicles, boats and helicopters.