"Right now the National Weather service shifted the focus of this system to our south which is a good sign. We are looking for beneficial rain which promotes regrowth especially in our burn scar areas," said Paul Lowenthal, Asst. Fire Marshal and Public Information Officer for the Santa Rosa Fire Department.
[Ads /]
Santa Rosa resident Rebecca Ryan looks down Tachevah Drive and remembers when her street flooded during the last heavy rainfall.
RELATED: Santa Rosa flooding: Residents describe scary moments in neighborhood where 95 homes were evacuated
"It looked like a little river coming down the street to our house," said Santa Rosa Resident, Rebecca Ryan.
In late October, 95 homes were asked to evacuate in the Tachevah Drive neighborhood.
Luz Pena: "Did you evacuate?"
Rebecca Ryan: "Yes, we did. We just had to go a few blocks down and then we were out of the water danger but we weren't even sure if we could get the car through the water it was so deep."
RELATED: Clogged storm drains cause North Bay flooding, public works crews standing by for busy weekend
The North Bay will be impacted first with up to three inches of rain in the urban areas and up to seven inches in the mountains. Residents here are keeping a close eye on the Lornadell Creek.
[Ads /]
The Lornadell creek runs directly behind Tom Sawyers backyard.
"What I'm concerned about is that if they don't keep the sediment and vegetation from growing in the channel 3,000 feet of it up stream then all that is going to wash down and collect under the bridge and block the bridge. Then we'll have flooding again," said Sawyer.
RELATED: Bay Area storm: Drivers abandon vehicles on flooded I-880 in Fremont
Cities across the Bay Area are providing sand bags ahead of the storm urging residents to prepare.
"If there are any breaks in the rain check to see how the systems are doing. Make sure that the water is falling where we want it to go," said Lowenthal.
VIDEO: Biggest storm in years brings flooding to Bay Area
Biggest Bay Area storm in years leaves path of destruction
Ryan says she's glad the creek has been cleared since the last rainfall.
"At this point I'm hoping that there isn't any more flooding. There are a lot of reeds on the other side of the creek where they haven't cleaned out but I feel like the people with their yards backing up to it might be concerned," said Ryan.
RELATED STORIES & VIDEOS:
- VIDEO: Watch the latest AccuWeather forecast
- How to prepare your home for winter storms
- TIPS: How do you recover from hydroplaning?
- TIPS: Here's how to use sandbags and prevent flooding
- Planning a snow trip? Check out these Sierra driving tips from the pros
- How to drive safely in snow
- Tips to help you drive in dense fog
- Tips for staying safe while hitting the slopes
[Ads /]