CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Following actions taken earlier in the day by the Lakeport City Council and the county of Lake, the city of Clearlake late Thursday reported that it had also declared a local emergency as a result of damage sustained throughout the city due to the rainstorm that hit the region.
City Manager Joan Phillipe, who also serves as the city's director of emergency services, made the emergency declaration, which will be ratified by the Clearlake City Council at a special meeting on Thursday, Dec. 18.
Phillipe reported that the city experienced a tremendous amount of flooding – particularly in the morning hours – which for a time closed many streets throughout the city.
The city made sandbags available to city residents from its corporation yard throughout the day while public works crews assisted by other local agencies worked to keep storm drains flowing as best as possible with the deluge of rain, Phillipe reported.
Various areas of the city also experienced mud slides. While none completely closed off roads, Phillipe said lanes of travel were affected in several locations.
Due to high water levels in the Village neighborhood near Cache Creek, about 100 people were evacuated, officials reported. The Red Cross set up a shelter at Lower Lake High School for the evacuees.
As of Thursday night, all of the city’s surface roads were open with no restrictions, Phillipe said.
She said public works and fire staff will continue to monitor the situation throughout the night.
The stormy conditions also resulted in the city postponing Thursday night's regular city council meeting until 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 22, as Lake County News has reported.
Comprehensive storm damage assessment will continue over the next several days, Phillipe said.
She acknowledged a “tremendous collaborative effort” by local agencies working with city public works and fire departments that resulted in keeping the community safe.
The city reminded property owners that, before they hire cleanup service providers, they should protect themselves by making sure that any contractor hired is licensed and bonded and possesses a city business license.
Clearlake declares local emergency due to storm, flooding
- Lake County News reports
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