Saturday into Sunday Storm (Jan. 7/8):
Beginning late tonight, Friday, Jan. 6, a moderate-strength system is expected to start impacting Santa Rosa with a couple of rounds of rainfall from Saturday through Sunday morning, as this will be another period of strong and gusty winds, though not as strong as what we experienced earlier in the week. A brief break in the rain late Sunday afternoon is expected. 

Monday into Tuesday Storm (Jan. 9/10):
The storm arriving late Sunday, Jan. 8, will be the stronger system with the potential for greater impacts Monday and Tuesday. This system is expected to produce significant amounts of rainfall. In addition, winds are expected to strengthen, and with our saturated soil, even moderate gusts (versus strong gusts) will be of concern as it is easier for trees to come down in these conditions. Downed trees can lead to power outages, threaten lives, and exacerbate flooding, as trees and branches can clog waterways. This storm will be monitored  by the National Weather Service (NWS), Sonoma County and City officials. 

Flood Watch Issued (Jan. 7 - 10):
NWS has issued a Flood Watch for the greater Bay Area, which includes the North Bay. The Flood Watch will go into effect tomorrow, Saturday, Jan. 7, at 4 a.m. and is expected to end on Tuesday, Jan. 10, by 4 p.m. The NWS could upgrade the Flood Watch to a Flood Warning based on the conditions, as up to seven inches of rain is possible locally through Tuesday. Check the current status of this watch or future warnings on the National Weather Service’s website here. Learn more about Flood Watches and Warnings and what action to take. 

Wind Advisory in Effect (Jan. 7 at 4 a.m. - Jan. 8 at 1 p.m.)
NWS has issued a Wind Advisory from 4 a.m. on Jan. 7 to 1 p.m. on Jan. 8 for much of the North Bay, including Sonoma County. South winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph are expected in the Marin Coastal Range, Sonoma Coastal Range, North Bay Interior Mountains, Coastal North Bay, Including Point Reyes National Seashore and North Bay Interior Valleys. Check the current status of this watch or future warnings on the National Weather Service’s website here. Learn more about Wind Warnings, Watches, and Advisories and what action to take.

Wind Advisory in Effect (Jan. 9 at 10 p.m. - Jan. 10 at 4 p.m.)
NWS has issued a Wind Advisory from 10 p.m. on Jan. 9 to 4 p.m. on Jan. 10 for much of the North Bay, including Sonoma County. South winds 15 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph are expected in the Marin Coastal Range, Sonoma Coastal Range, North Bay Interior Mountains, Coastal North Bay, Including Point Reyes National Seashore and North Bay Interior Valleys. Check the current status of this watch or future warnings on the National Weather Service’s website here. Learn more about Wind Warnings, Watches, and Advisories and what action to take.

What to Expect:

• Downed trees are especially concerning following the amount of rainfall we have had and given how saturated the soil is. Expect tree debris potentially blocking roads or damaging property. 
• Power outages are likely. If you spot a downed power line or a tree down into a power line, please call 9-1-1 to report it. 
• Mud or landslides are possible. If you witness the beginning of a slide or see a partial slide, please call 9-1-1 to report it. 
• Flooding, especially in areas with poor drainage. 
• Standing water in roadways is also likely. Turn around, don’t drown. Don’t drive through standing or moving water. 
• High-intensity rain may cause debris flows in the Glass Fire burn scar area. 

Safety Tips During a Storm: 

• Avoid unnecessary travel. Purchase groceries and supplies in advance for fewer trips during the storm. 
• If you must travel, allow more travel time and slow down to a speed safer for the conditions. 
• Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwater rises around your car, abandon the car, and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle could be quickly swept away. 
• Do not walk in moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you must walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. 
• Never drive over a downed power line. 
• The use of candles during a power outage is discouraged. If you do use them, do not leave candles unattended.

More Resources and Information: 

• Flood Forecast Hotline: 707-526-4768. The Flood Forecast is a recording that provides updates on local river conditions. The Sonoma County Water Agency updates the recordings as conditions change. 
• Stream Maintenance: 707-521-1845, report any stream-related issues, such as debris or stream channel changes, to prevent localized flooding. 
• Downed Trees blocking the Public Right of Way: 707-543-3770 or after hours at 707-543-3805 to report trees blocking roadways, sidewalks, and creeks. Office hours are 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. In the event of an emergency, such as downed power lines or a tree that is causing an immediate life/safety issue,  call 9-1-1. 
• Roadway Flooding: 707-543-3800 or after hours at 707-543-3805 to report minor flooding in the roadway during business hours. 
• Power Outages: 1-800-743-5000 or online, to report power outages to PG&E. 
• Sandbags and Sand: 707-543-3800 or after hours at 707-543-3805. Visit the self-serve sandbag station at the City Municipal Services Center at 55 Stony Point Rd. The yard is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Residents will be asked to show ID to verify a City of Santa Rosa address.

Go to SRCity.org/WinterStorm for more information and updates about these winter storms.