Safety during the Rainy Season for properties affected by the Walbridge / Meyers Fire
Be Prepared
The National Weather Service expects properties within or downstream of burn zones could be subject to debris flows or flooding to become more likely during periods of intense rainfall. Be prepared by:
- Identifying vulnerable areas on your property.
- Using erosion control techniques, such as installing scattered straw, straw wattles and other appropriately designed mitigation measures, and clearing fire-related debris from creeks and drainages to reduce flooding.
- Have an evacuation and emergency plan ready.
- Keep your cell phone or Weather Emergency Radios (NOAA radios) turned on at all times to receive emergency alerts.
Learn more about how to prepare and respond to flooding and debris or mud flows.
Additional places to get assistance and information include:
- Sonoma County Storm Water and Creeks team – (707) 565-6186
- Sonoma Resource Conservation District (Sonoma RCD): (707) 569-1448, extension 110
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service – (707) 794-1242, extension 3
- The California Native Plant Society (CNPS) 2019 Fire Recovery Guide addresses many post-fire questions in an easy-to-use, free booklet. The new statewide guide is a collaborative effort between CNPS, dozens of partner organizations, and scientists across the state, including many here in Sonoma County.
Stay Informed
First, learn how you can receive life-saving alerts in the event of an emergency near you.
Sonoma Water installed several rainfall and stream gauges to provide increased situational awareness for watershed protection. Visit sonoma.onerain.com for real-time data.
The California Nevada River Forecast Center has also added a new forecast point on Big Sulphur Creek that will forecast creek stages and flows in advance of winter storms. This information may be useful for residents living within the watershed affected by the LNU Lightning Complex Fires.
National Weather Service Warning System
- The National Weather Service issues weather advisories and watches when the weather forecast indicates there is a potential for hazardous conditions. Watches and advisories are also shared on the National Weather Service Facebook and Twitter
- The National Weather Service will issue a Warning if hazardous conditions are imminent or occurring within the burn areas.
- The National Weather Service sends Warnings over the Wireless Emergency Alerts system that will send a message to all cell phones in the burn areas and will also send out alerts through the Emergency Alert System that broadcasts on radios and televisions.
Sign up for Sonoma County Emergency Alerts
- Sign up to receive emergency notifications at SoCoAlert.com. SoCoAlert will be used to send an emergency notification if there is an imminent threat to life or property.
Weather Emergency Radios
- In areas where there is limited cell service, or if a power outage occurs, Emergency Warnings from the National Weather Service will be announced on the Weather Emergency Radios, which rely on batteries.
Emergency public hotlines – Flood, sanitation, streams maintenance
- Flood Forecast Hotline – (707) 526-4768
The Flood Forecast is a recording that provides updates on local river conditions. The recordings are updated by Sonoma Water as conditions change. - Stream Maintenance – (707) 521-1845
Report any stream related issues, such as debris or stream channel changes, to prevent localized flooding. - Redwood Empire Dispatch Communications Authority (REDCOM) – (707) 576-1365
24 Hours a day
Frequently Asked Questions
Search FAQs
Increased rain runoff in burned areas can cause mud and debris flows. Multiple, federal, state, and local agencies are taking action to protect our watershed and prevent flooding, this includes:
- In rural areas, the County is checking and installing debris-capture devices in culverts and ditches along rural roadways.
- The Sonoma County Agricultural & Open Space District are assessing their properties within the burned areas for hazardous conditions including downed and damaged trees and areas where erosion may affect streams and watersheds.
- Sonoma Water installed several rainfall and stream gauges in burned areas within watersheds affected by the 2017 wildfires and has since expanded the system to provide increased situational awareness for watershed protection. Sonoma Water has also installed new radar equipment to improve early warning forecasts for residents in high-risk areas. Visit sonoma.onerain.com for real-time data.
- Sonoma Water has a Flood Forecast and Emergency Information website available to assist the public during storm events.
- If you see something (flooding, mud and debris flows), say something – call 911.
- Monitor your surroundings and have an emergency plan in place.
- Stay informed:
- Listen to local radio stations, and sign up for Nixle and SoCo Alerts.
- Make sure that the emergency alerts on your cell phone are activated (on smart phones, go to “Notifications” and make sure the Emergency Alerts notification is turned on).