Heavy Rain, Flood Watch, and Wind Advisory for Santa Rosa

The City of Santa Rosa is urging residents to take immediate precautions as a significant atmospheric river is expected to bring heavy rainfall to the region this week. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Flood Watch for the area, predicting substantial rain starting Tuesday evening, Nov. 19, and continuing through Thursday morning, Nov. 21, with additional rainfall expected into the weekend.

Up to 4-6 inches of rain could fall through Thursday, with an additional 2-3 inches possible from Friday to Saturday. Residents should be prepared for rapid rises in local creeks, streams, and rivers, along with potential street ponding and urban flooding.

Additionally, the NWS issued a freeze warning that is in effect from Monday, Nov. 18, into Tuesday morning, Nov. 19. Residents are advised to take steps to protect people, pets, plants, and pipes from the cold. A Wind Advisory has also been issued for portions of the Bay Area, including all of the North Bay, from 10 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19, through 6 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 21. Wind gusts remain at 30-35 in Santa Rosa.

End of 2024 Wildfire Season Declared

Coinciding with the incoming storm, the Santa Rosa Fire Department has officially declared the end of the 2024 wildfire season locally. The recent rainfall, combined with forecasted wet weather, has reduced fire risks significantly in Santa Rosa. This declaration suspends the City's Weed Abatement Ordinance requirements and allows for the issuance of pile burning permits in the coming weeks.

"We had an active start to our fire season with several Red Flag Warning events and multiple vegetation fires," said Santa Rosa Fire Chief Scott Westrope. "Quick responses from our firefighters, combined with the proactive measures taken by property owners, played a significant role in mitigating fire spread this year."

Rain Safety and Preparedness Tips

As the atmospheric river approaches, residents should:

• Allow extra travel time and use caution as roadways will be slick.
• Rises in creeks, streams, and rivers may cause minor to moderate urban and small stream flooding.
• Take measures to protect people, pets, plants, and pipes from the cold.
• Prepare for rainfall by clearing gutter debris and clearing storm drains on private property.
• Secure loose outdoor objects, keep cell phones charged, and prepare for possible power outages.

Free Sandbags Available for City of Santa Rosa Residents

Santa Rosa residents can obtain free sand and bags at the City's sandbag filling station, which is open 24/7 throughout the rainy season. The station is located at the Municipal Services Center North, 55 Stony Point Road. Access requires an ID with a Santa Rosa address. Shovels are provided, but residents should be prepared for heavy and muddy sandbags. For more rain preparation tips, visit SRCity.org/RainReady.

Weed Abatement Inspections Suspended

With the end of wildfire season, annual weed abatement inspections are suspended effective Nov. 13, 2024. During the fire season, property owners are required to maintain vegetation, keeping grasses and weeds cut to four inches. These measures apply to properties within the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) and vacant lots throughout Santa Rosa. For more information on maintaining defensible space, visit SRCity.org/WUI.

Pile Burning Permits to Be Issued

The Fire Department expects to issue pile burning permits starting in late November. This practice allows for the controlled burning of vegetative debris, helping to reduce the wildfire threat. Permits are required before any pile burning activity, and residents can apply through the Santa Rosa Fire Department.

For details on preparing for the next fire season and permit requirements, visit the Wildfire Ready Information Center.

Stay updated with the latest weather information and resources by visiting SRCity.org/RainReady and monitoring local weather at SRCity.org/Weather.

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