Washout Closes Redwood Road Past Golf Course
Photos courtesy of David Gutierrez
A flood-related landslide completely washed out the street on the north side of Redwood Road at mile marker 8.2. Heavy rains also prompted officials to issue evacuations for Kilkare, Palomares, and Niles Canyon roads, saying the weather this week could cause problems getting in and out of those communities for several days.
Meteorologist Mike Pechner says the current wet pattern could end around January 19 or 20. More rain is expected late tomorrow (Thursday) and again this weekend and for a few days the following week. However, the frequency and amount appear to be less, which should reduce the flooding potential going forward.
“The Atmospheric River component of the wet pattern appears to be losing its energy from the Jet Stream which stretches west-east across the Pacific," Pechner told the Forum. "In the short term, some of the flooding we have seen up to this point is likely to continue thru early next week. So far, the mainstream rivers, Sacramento, American, Napa, and Russian, have only had minor flooding. The timing of high tides and the period of maximum rainfall have a lot to do with whether flooding does occur. Fortunately, we are passed the King tides."
The saturated ground is a major concern at least for the next week or so, because even lighter winds will bring down more trees, Pechner added. The three-year drought has weakened many trees making them more vulnerable to disease and dying. Most of the flooding has been near the Bay. Those areas will likely continue to see some high water.
Area creeks will continue to run high. East Bay Municipal Water District reports storage is 83 percent of average, with Pardee Reservoir being 98 percent full.
"After a cold and dry November and a wet December, the rest of this month sees warmer days and milder nights during the last ten days of the month," Pechner said.