Russian River Overflows, Low-Lying Areas Of Guerneville Under Voluntary Evacuation Order
GUERNEVILLE (KCBS) -- Residents near the Guerneville Bridge in Sonoma County are taking things in stride and have been under a voluntary evacuation order following Thursday's heavy rains. While the Russian River has gone over its banks, it appears the flooding will only take place in low-lying areas adjacent to the waterway.
Gene Marquart who's lived in the area a few years has been out taking an informal survey of the conditions. "There's a lot of water. The river's about four times as big as normal. What I'm really concerned about are all the homeless people who are losing their encampments. I went down to the homeless shelter to check it out and they need shoes and blankets. People have been [displaced]," she said.
One homeless shelter, whose capacity is 65 has brought in an extra 25 cots for people to stay indoors.
Flood level is 36 feet, but the river is at about 38 feet. The water would have to reach about 12 to 15 feet in order for the town of Guerneville to be considered in jeopardy.
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