Wind gusts of nearly 80 mph were recorded. NWS Flood warnings are in effect for numerous rivers, including the Sacramento, Pajaro, Russian and Napa. In Guerneville, the Russian River is expected to crest at six feet above flood 2 stage today. The Napa River is likely to rise three feet above flood stage today in St. Helena. The Santa Ynez River is expected to begin receding today.
Flood watches are also in effect for most of the coast and mountains.
State officials have indicated that the levee systems appear to be holding back the water and in fact are not under nearly as much pressure as they were during a major rain event last year. During the 1997 storm, many of the major levees broke. That flooding resulted in President Clinton issuing a major disaster declaration . Rising water has forced many residents to flee their homes, particularly in Santa Cruz and Marin counties. There are 30 shelters open in the state servicing more than 1,400 refugees.