Hopland, Calif. – Drivers near the Russian River bridge on Highway 175 could face water over the roadway by late Tuesday afternoon as the river surges toward flood stage.
According to the National Weather Service in Eureka, a Flood Watch is in effect for the Russian River near Hopland from Tuesday afternoon through Tuesday evening, with the river forecast to crest at 15.1 feet. Flood stage is 15.0 feet. At that level, water reaches the approaches to the Highway 175 bridge and begins flooding cropland along the right bank.
As of 2:45 p.m. Monday, the river stood at 3.5 feet but is expected to rise rapidly with prolonged moderate to heavy rain continuing through Tuesday night. Southeastern Mendocino County remains under close monitoring as runoff feeds into the river basin.
A broader Flood Watch also covers Del Norte, Humboldt, Trinity, Lake and much of Mendocino counties beginning late Monday night or by 10 p.m. for coastal areas. Excessive rainfall could trigger slides along rural roadways, including winding stretches in interior Mendocino and Lake counties, and cause creeks to spill over banks.
Residents near the Russian River should prepare for changing conditions Tuesday afternoon, avoid flooded roadways, and report high water to local authorities. Additional warnings may be issued by 11:15 p.m. Monday as updated river data becomes available.
