LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – As rainfall totals continue to climb, Clear Lake is approaching flood stage and forecasters warned that Lake County is in an area most at risk of flooding-related issues.
Several inches of rain fell across Lake County on Monday thanks to an atmospheric river, leading the National Weather Service to issue a flood warning, which will go into effect at 4 p.m. Wednesday. An existing flood watch, that began at 4 p.m. Monday, will continue until 8 a.m. Thursday.
A new wind advisory also goes into effect at noon on Tuesday, the National Weather Service reported.
The National Weather Service’s observation stations reported the following 24-hour rainfall totals, through 12 a.m. Tuesday, in inches:
– Bartlett Springs: 4.07.
– Boggs Mountain: 4.42.
– Colusa County line: 0.76.
– Hidden Valley Lake: 2.75.
– High Glade Lookout (above Upper Lake): 1.09.
– Indian Valley Reservoir: 1.04.
– Kelseyville: 3.16.
– Knoxville Creek: 2.60.
– Lakeport: 1.96.
– Lower Lake: 1.65.
– Lyons Valley: 2.01.
– Soda Creek (near Lake Pillsbury): 3.48.
– Upper Lake: 1.82.
– Whispering Pines: 4.92.
Early Tuesday, Clear Lake was once again headed toward monitor stage – 8.0 feet Rumsey, the special measure used just for Clear Lake. County officials have predicted that the lake could hit flood stage – 9.0 feet Rumsey – by early Thursday morning.
The atmospheric river is expected to bring more heavy rain through Thursday, with the potential for up to another 4 inches of rain on Tuesday, according to the forecast.
Monday’s heavy rainfall led the National Weather Service to warn that the zone of highest probability of flooding problems late overnight and Tuesday morning will extend from Lake County northeast through Butte County.
The high water levels had led to some localized flooding of roadways by Monday night.
The California Highway Patrol said Clark Drive was closed from Soda Bay Road to Gaddy Lane in Kelseyville, and near Hopland, Highway 175 is closed from mile post 0.0 to 0.50, east of Highway 101.
The city of Lakeport issued an advisory regarding several streets prone to flooding, including Martin Street between Russell and Forbes streets, 16th Street at Hartley Street, Lange Street at Giselman Street, and Lakeshore Boulevard between Lange and Giselman streets. Motorists are urged to have alternate routes planned should flooding occur.
Officials also remind drivers not to drive through running or standing water on streets and to follow all traffic control devices they may encounter.
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Continuing rainfall prompts flooding concerns; new weather watches issued
- Elizabeth Larson
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