Live updates: North Bay residents moving to higher ground amid flooding fears

More rain falling in the North Bay and those who live here are starting to get a little tired of it.

More rain falling in the North Bay and those who live here are starting to get a little tired of it.

"I love rain but this is a little much," said Gretchen Reisch who lost her electricity Thursday night.

Yes, 10-plus inches in certain spots of Santa Rosa in less than 48 hours probably qualifies as a little much, the video we shot though came from Rohnert Park where there has also been "a little much," it's led to drivers having to determine, should I go through the flooded area or turn around?

"We've never had this much rain so, I had two sump pumps running but I have no power so I'm really worried that we might say hello to some water in the house," said Reisch.

Reisch's home was one of dozens without electricity in Santa Rosa.

"It's been intense, a lot of rain, we have quite a bit of water in our backyard, a little bit of flooding but luckily we're on a hill so it all tends to drain down the street," said Katie Bullard who also lost her electricity. Bullard was out on a walk with her kids when we spoke with her.

As bad as the flooding and rain can be at times, it's always the kids with that glass half full kind of attitude.

"Okay, so we don't have electricity. It's been out for an hour and a half we've just put a fire out and then just trying to have fun," said Bullard's 8-year-old daughter Lucy, "I prefer having the power, this guy probably wants the power too!"

"What is it that you miss so much when you don't have electricity?" asked ABC7 News reporter J.R. Stone.

"I really want to watch the TV," said Lucy.

But her big brother seems to be the realist in the family.

"This happens pretty often during the winter so you just got to get used to it," said Henry Allan.

"Hopeful that electricity comes back," said Stone.

"Yeah, they said within 24 hours but we're hoping before the evening," said Bullard.

And an update: As of late Thursday night, PG&E was able to restore power to Bullard and Reisch's neighborhood.

Heavy rain pelted Sonoma County for the second day. The Atmospheric river showing little mercy.

The storm brought torrential rain to Santa Rosa. A Hampton Inn hotel and Sutter medical office joint parking lot was underwater with multiple cars submerged.

"With the weather we have currently coming through, the waterway in this area got overwhelmed and flooded the parking lot. Some people are staying at the Inn and Suites were trying to get out, stuck in the water," said Will Powers from Santa Rosa Fire Department.

Danielle Perlenfein's mom was stranded at her job, cut off from dry pavement.

"I've seen it flood before but never this bad, I thought we could come and help her, way above civilian help, I'll leave that to the professionals," said Perlenfein.

Heavy rain pelted Sonoma County for the second day. The Atmospheric river showing little mercy.

In Forestville, homeowners on Mirabel Road were dealing with flooding which came on fast with little warning.

"The drainage was clogged and within five minutes our yard was two-feet deep, it's been happening all morning," said Anthony from Forestville.

Some of the floodwater, nearly covered some garages, neighbors say, the water was coming from a nearby drainage culvert.

"I woke up this morning and saw the water rising, I started to freak out so we put bags out just in time, a little water got in. I feel for my neighbors, they're taking it worse than I am," said Kela Gore.

Sonoma County crews were working to clear the culvert and give the rising water somewhere to go.

Many roads in the Russian River Valley are closed due to flooding but some drivers, ignored the signs and got stuck. With more rain on the way, residents like Kela Gore are hoping for the best.

"Trying to take one step at a time and keep praying," said Gore.

Several schools and school districts in Sonoma County announced closures for Friday due to severe weather:

• Cinnabar Elementary School District
• Forestville Union School District
• Fort Ross Elementary
• Guerneville School District
• Horicon Elementary
• Kashia Elementary
• Montgomery Elementary
• Monte Rio Union School District
• Northwest Prep Charter School
• Olivet Elementary
• Village Charter
• West Sonoma County Union High School District

An updated list of closures can also be viewed on Sonoma County's website.

The county noted there are 40 public school districts countywide but not all would be closed. School districts and independent charters make their own decisions on whether or not to close.

With umbrellas in hand, people lined up down the block at the Ritter Center in San Rafael for the nonprofit's annual Thanksgiving meal giveaway.

With umbrellas in hand, people lined up down the block at the Ritter Center in San Rafael.

On Thursday, the nonprofit held its annual Thanksgiving meal giveaway.

It's an event Ritter Center CEO Mark Shotwell says they were determined to have despite the series of storms sweeping across the North Bay.

"This is a great way to be able to connect with people in the community who need us. And for the ongoing clients we serve, it's essential to keep them going," Shotwell said.

The center provides everything people need to enjoy a full holiday meal.

But beyond just the food, Shotwell says giving out items to help people survive the elements is essential.

"It's not just about being cold. It's not just about being wet. But because of the serious health issues that a lot of people have, that kind of exposure can be a life-threatening situation," Shotwell said.

One of those receiving help Thursday was Paul Maska.

Maska tells us he's currently living on a small boat in the water.

He says the past few days have been difficult, and with more wet weather coming, he's grateful for the help.

"It's a security. It's a sense of wellness. It's a sense of 'I'm okay.' It's a sense of family. It's many things," Maska said.

Another person collecting supplies was Terrence Reynolds.

Originally from the East Bay, Reynolds says he's now unhoused and doesn't know how he'd survive without help from places like the Ritter Center.

"They're doing tents. I just got a blanket and a mat. This hat right here, the gloves," he said.

And with more intense storms forecasted over the coming days here in Marin County, Reynolds has just one message to all those who help.

"You guys are awesome. Thanks for being here. And the commitment, all the volunteers that come in and out with the consistency, yeah," he said.