Rainalgia: Chaos Uprooted in Sonoma and Napa

Imagine this: Buckets of rain pour down, then rivers expand, flooding properties, and new rain is on the way. This scenario unfolded in Sonoma and Napa counties in California. In the heart of St. Helena, the Napa River reached 18. 44 feet and flowed into homes. You can't see the official flood stage in Napa but the dry bypass let out water and roads. Over by Guerneville, the Russian River swelled past 36 feet. This flooding may have pushed homes and businesses. The river was rising, and officials were watching closely. Mirabel Heights neighborhood in Forestville is under water.

In Mark West Creek, the water hit a major flood stage. Green Valley Creek has climbed and overflowed near Martinelli Road. On Tuesday evening, evacuations began for residents. Local roads and highways were closed to keep traffic away from flooded areas. Local drivers were trying to get away from the flood. So far, hundreds of roads are reported to be underwater, causing closures. In Santa Rosa, a landslide destroyed homes. The wind and rain made it worse. A burned home had been rebuilt after a fire. Fire officials rescued trapped residents, but the damage was severe.

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