Storm dumps more than 3 inches of rain on parts of Sonoma County

The brunt of Tuesday’s storm passed during the night, leaving several roadways flooded early Wednesday and reports coming in of falling trees and vehicles stuck in floodwaters.

Residents throughout the county reported impressive rainfall amounts overnight, including up to 2.38 inches in Santa Rosa, 3.03 inches in Healdsburg and 3.25 inches in Cazadero.

Forecasters say the front has moved on and showers could linger Wednesday, with another substantial storm due in for the weekend.

Power outages were in play in east Santa Rosa, Sebastopol and Forestville, according to a PG&E outage website. Utility spokeswoman Deanna Contreras said the outages were minimal by mid morning, with about 50 customers out throughout Sonoma County in three areas and 17 out in Lake County’s Cobb community.

Trouble spots early Wednesday included two standard flood spots: a few sections of Highway 1 in Valley Ford and on the “S” curves on Green Valley Road just outside of Graton.

Firefighters had to rescue people from a car stuck in flood waters in Valley Ford. One driver stuck in the Green Valley spot was able to get out on their own but just before 8 a.m. dispatchers reported another driver had tried to get through the flooded roadway and needed rescuing.

“Stay out of the flooded areas. If you can’t see the ground through the water it’s too deep,” said CHP Officer Steve Fricke.

Crashes were at a minimum early Wednesday, with one minor spin out on Highway 101 in Rohnert Park reported. “Things hopefully should subside,” Fricke said, with the storms passing.

You can reach Staff Writer Randi Rossmann at 521-5412 or randi.rossmann@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter@rossmannreport.