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News
Vineyards submerged after storm hits California
Vineyards in Napa and Sonoma have been submerged after the wettest storm of the winter swept through California yesterday, sparking weather warnings.
Sonoma was one of the areas most affected by the floods. This image, from Jordan Winery, shows flood damage from 2017
As reported by Reuters, Venado in Sonoma County has been flooded with 21 inches of rain driven by 75mph winds, while 9 inches fell in Santa Rosa. Waterlogged driveways made entry to some Sonoma wineries impossible, while across the Napa Valley vineyards remain flooded.
Adding salt to the wound, the ‘Pineapple Express’ tropical system from Hawaii brought rain to the mountains, melting snow and swelling creeks.
A man paddles through a miniature golf course in Guerneville, California, after the Russian River flooded. Photo c/o: Bay Area News Group
According to The Mercury News, the rising Russian River has swamped over 24 low-lying towns, leading thousands of residents to flee.
The Russian River reaches flood stage five times a decade, but the current storm is expected to cause the worst damage along the river in 24 years.
The Mercury News reports that up to 4,000 structures across the Russian River valley could be submerged by the floods, while emergency crews have had to rescue 40 people.
ABC News reports that the Napa River is continuing to rise and is expected to go over the 25-foot flood stage overnight, however, evacuations are not expected.
The Oakville Grade Road between the Silverado Trail and the Napa River is currently closed, while a number of homes in St. Helena are at risk from flooding.
The storm also swept through San Francisco, where the water level reached car wing mirrors. There are fears flash floods will cause mudslides in areas scorched by the recent wildfires in LA.
The storm is expected to continue until Friday, bringing with it rain, wind and snow, making travel into the Sierra Nevada mountain range dangerous. To the north, Oregon and Washington were also hit with rain and snow.