Strong Storm, Flooding Shuts Down Lagunitas Brewery In Petaluma
PETALUMA (CBS SF) -- A powerful storm sweeping through the Bay Area Thursday gave employees at Lagunitas Brewery something else to swim in for a change.
Water levels rose about 1 to 2 feet in the taproom and beer sanctuary, creating some of the worst flooding Lagunitas has seen in about five years, according digital marketing manager Jack Alger.
We're in deep! and unfortunately we're going to have to cancel all tours and close the Taproom today in Petaluma. pic.twitter.com/Hi6DlibCb5
— LAGUNITAS BREWING CO (@lagunitasbeer) December 11, 2014
"Brewing equipment was built to get wet," Algers said, adding that there was no permanent damage to the brewery. But the flooding was severe enough to cancel tours and the taproom Thursday, and even inspire this inner tube ride by a employee in the north-side loading dock.
With the flood waters receding, they've reopened Friday. Algers said it's possible the brewery, infamous for cleverly named beers, may even create a new brew named after the storm.
Incessant rainfall also turned a portion of Industrial Drive in Petaluma into a lake on Thursday, leaving a couple dozen people stranded.
About 40 people were trapped near the Auto Mall. The fire department used a boat and a couple of large dump trucks to get some of them to dry ground.
CONTINUING STORM COVERAGE: