Localized flooding coming with storm

The American Red Cross of Northeastern California has identified shelter sites in Shasta and Tehama counties that are available in the event of flood evacuations in the coming days.  

A flood watch alert remains in place by the National Weather Service through Monday for the Northern Sacramento Valley as continual rains were forecast for Tehama County starting Thursday night through Monday.

“Flooding is expected around low lying areas near the upper Sacramento River, especially around Red Bluff beginning Sunday,” states the alert.

High wind gusts are also being monitored. There have already been reports of falling tree branches damaging vehicles and structures. The traffic signals at South Avenue and Highway 99W were not working and being repaired on Thursday.

Corning City Manager John Brewer, who also serves as Public Works director, said any residents who need emergency assistance from the city can call City Hall at 824-7029, or if no answer, then call the Police Department at 824-7000.

“Friday is city employee furlough day but we are keeping a couple of public works employees on due to the weather conditions and in case they are needed,” Brewer said.

Sandbags are available at the Corning Fire Department at 814 Fifth St.

“The City is working in conjunction with Tehama County to provide sand and sand bags to residents,” Brewer stated. “Sand was delivered to the lot across the street from the fire department and it is going pretty fast so we are having another load delivered.”

Because leaves have been somewhat late to fall from the trees this year, Brewer said they are now dropping and clogging street gutters and drains during this storm.

“We are doing all we can to retrieve the leaves from the streets so they don’t block the drains. We had a drain vacuum company come out earlier this week to check and clear the city drains,” Brewer said.

At 1 p.m. today, the Sacramento River level at Woodson Bridge was 167.14 feet, but that level is predicted to possibly rise to 186.5 feet by midnight Monday. Flood stage is 183 feet.

According to the National Weather Service, the anticipated flood level is considered “minor flooding.” The record level at Woodson Bridge is 191.5 feet.

The Tehama County Sheriff’s Department said areas of special flood concern in the county include the Tehama Bridge area and Bend Bridge area.

Red Cross is also closely monitoring the weather and will open and staff these shelters if local officials feel evacuations become necessary.

In Corning the Red Cross shelther will be at the Veterans Hall, 1620 Solano St. In Red Bluff the Tehama District Fairgrounds, 650 Antelope Blvd.

Shelters in other counties will also be made available at the direction of local officials.  

Red Cross recommends residents to listen to area radio and television for possible flood warnings and reports of flooding in progress and to be prepared to evacuate at a moments notice.

Also, stay away from floodwaters. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep a person off their feet.

Do not attempt to drive through flooded roadways. Stop, turn around and go another way. Most vehicles can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.

Officials advise to be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger.

Have emergency supplies on hand in case of power outage, need to evacuate or other unforeseen emergencies.

Supplies to have include three-day supply of water, food, flashlight, batteries, first aid kit, seven-day supply of medications, extra cash, maps of the area, emergency blanket, tools, extra clothing, rain gear, camera, hygiene items, cell phone with charger, emergency contact information and copies of personal documents.

For those who have a baby or pets in the home, don’t forget to stock emergency supplies for their needs as well.