Big cleanup underway in North Bay after flooding mess from atmospheric river: 'Heartbreaking'
In the North Bay, people are cleaning up and drying off.
Residents and businesses on the Russian River are trying to move forward after last week's atmospheric river brought heavy rain and flooding, leaving behind a big mess.
"I think the owner and I have wanted to cry, but we haven't yet," said Joey Luiz.
Luiz is still checking out all the flood damage inside the Surrey Resort in Guerneville where he's manager.
After 72 hours of epic rain, more than three feet of floodwater got inside the resort's historic great hall. Furnishings and appliances were floating.
There was more water in the parking lot.
"When I came in yesterday, it was floating," said Oli Pospelova.
Pospelova, who works in the cafe, showed us the toppled fridge. She can't believe the damage.
"It's heartbreaking. I'm still recovering, in shock. This is my first experience with flooding. It's a learning experience too. Next time, we'll be more prepared," Pospelova said.
"We did save a few things on the bar, but for the most part, we've seen 80% loss of stuff in here," said Luiz.
Flooding remains a very real issue across the area where the swollen Russian River is still leaving some roads, even vineyards underwater.
The floodwater rose several feet inside a downtown Guerneville mobile home park. It has now receded but lots of debris was left behind.
"It came up to the second step. That was 34 feet where it crested," said resident Nicolai Lisiukoff.
Some are singing the blues. They live near Johnson's Beach and are now waiting on higher ground for the river to recede, so they can return home.
Back at Surrey Resort, the team is starting to clean up and dry out.
"Now we are going to clean up, recover and move forward," Pospelova said.
