One of the rescues took place at the intersection of Highway 87 and Taylor Street. The Guadalupe River was rising quickly as torrents of water poured into the river from street runoff.
The rising water apparently caught 55-year-old Tam Li by surprise stranding him on an island.
San Jose fire crews brought in a cherry picker and their urban search and rescue team at about 1:30 Friday afternoon.
Tam Li is just one of three people who had to be rescued by firefighters from the river this afternoon.
A firefighter was lowered onto a small island that was formed by rising water. First, Tam Li's bicycle was lifted from the river. Then, Tam Li was given a helmet and placed into a harness before being raised by a rescue team along with the firefighter up and onto the Taylor Street overpass.
Tam Li says he is from Houston, Texas. He's a transient who says he's been on a mission from God on his bicycle since November.
Tam Li was released by firefighters who say this has been one busy day.
Bay Area severe weather resources
Click here for Information on sandbag pick-up locations, flood trackers, river gauges, flood preparedness, hotlines and emergency resources.
