Communities near Russian River on alert as waters rise

GUERNEVILLE, Calif. (KGO) -- Communities in the North Bay that have seen devastating flooding in the past are not taking any chances with this latest round of storms.

Residents are keeping a close eye on the Russian River while protecting their belongings. Along the Russian River those with any experience are not waiting to see what the water will do. They know from experience that when the Russian rises, it does so very fast.

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They expect a flood stage of 32 feet maybe by tomorrow night. If experts are correct, the most serious flooding in and around Guerneville, on the Russian River.

At the Mirabel RV park, the owners of 32 units moved fast, this morning.

"Some years are heavier than others. This one's going to be a heavy one so we're not taking any chances. We're going to play it safe this time," said John Lindt a resident of Mirabel RV Park.

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For most of Thursday, Guerneville worried less about the river than Fife Creek, which has an illustrious history of flooding and cutting off residents.

"I went through once about 15 years ago and it cost me $800 on my car, so I don't do that anymore," said Guerneville resident Edy Sallee.

Last year, Guerneville homeowners convinced the Sonoma County Water Agency to do some dredging, but based on past experience, they are not optimistic.

Karen Devan lives next to Fife Creek. "At the very height of the flood of this creek, it will go under the house, it will go in the garages. It will devastate the washers, dryers, and water heaters and central air heating. It will buckle the pavement," Devan said. "It will have two or three feet of muck outside that we'll spend months cleaning up. But otherwise, this is paradise."

Paradise not lost, but wet.

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