Forestville landslide sends home into Russian River

A landslide in Sonoma County's Forestville sent a home into the Russian River on Tuesday as an atmospheric river pounded the Bay Area.

Forestville landslide

What we know:

According to the Sonoma County Fire District, crews began receiving reports around 12:30 p.m. of a landslide at Westside and Rio Vista roads, near the Hacienda Bridge.

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The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for much of the Bay Area, continuing through 4 a.m. on Wednesday.

Homes threatened

What they're saying:

The fire district said an unoccupied home was pushed into the Russian River. Several other nearby homes were threatened by the landslide and had to be evacuated.

A viewer shared photos of the home in the Russian River as it floated by the River Bend Resort.

The California Highway Patrol's Santa Rosa division warned drivers to stay off the roads unless travel was necessary due to heavy rainfall and flooding throughout the county. They advised steering clear of Westside Road and Eastside Road due to mudslides in the area.

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A viewer shared images of a home that plunged into the Russian River following a landslide, floating by. The photo is courtesy of Ian Graves.

Evacuation order

What you can do:

The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office issued an evacuation order for low-lying areas along the Russian River from Healdsburg to Jenner. Those areas include the following: 

  • 32 Feet - Lower Mill Street in Guerneville and Old Bohemian Highway in Monte Rio.
  • 32.5 Feet - In Guerneville the intersection of Highway 116 and Neeley Road is closed. Mays Canyon Road by the old rodeo grounds is closed.
  • 33 Feet - In Guerneville the intersection of Highway 116 and Drake Road is closed. In Monte Rio Willow and Alder Streets flood. In Forestville Mirabel Trailer Park begins to flood.
  • 34 Feet - In Guerneville flooding begins at Johnsons Resort, Parkers Resort, Creekside Resort and Riverside Park. In Northwood, lower Redwood Drive begins to flood.
  • 35 Feet - Numerous businesses and residences in the lowest sections of towns along the Russian River are expected to flood. In Guerneville Brookside Resort begins to flood. More extensive flooding occurs at Parkers Resort. In Northwood lower Redwood Drive floods.
  • 36 feet - In Forestville, Mirabel Park Resort and Mirabel Trailer Park flood. In Guerneville, Fern Road at Highway 116 floods.

The Russian River is expected to crest at 35 feet on Wednesday morning.

The Source: Information for this story comes from the Sonoma County Fire District and the California Highway Patrol Santa Rosa division. 

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