LAKE COUNTY — The City of Lakeport Community Development Department released information Tuesday regarding the weather.
According to the release, The National Weather Service is predicting a series of rainstorms over the next week. Clear Lake and several creeks in the Lakeport area are near flood stage.
Additional rain may cause flooding in low-lying areas. If you live near the lake or a creek, be prepared for the possibility of flooding. Residents are urged to use caution in areas of high water.
Areas that could experience flooding include: Martin Street from Main to Starr streets, Main Street to Martin, “C,” and 10th Streets; Forbes Street at Sixth, Ninth, tenth and 11th streets; Armstrong Street between Brush and Starr streets; Russell Street between First and Second streets; Spur Street between Berry and Sixth streets; High Street north of 17th Street; Lakeshore Boulevard between Rainbow Road and Geiselman Street; North Street at 10th Street; 10th Street between Forbes and Manzanita streets; First Street between Russell and Starr streets; Brush Street between Armstrong and First streets; 16th Street between Mellor Drive and Harley Street; and Esplanade. Low-lying areas near the lake will also be affected by the rising waters and wave action.
For every inch of rain that falls at lake level, Clear Lake will rise approximately five inches, and with an estimated three inches of rain over the coming week, the lake could be at 9 feet Rumsey (flood stage) on Wednesday and 9.5 feet Rumsey on Friday.
If flooding does occur, city crews will install barricades. Barricaded roadways are not passable and are to be avoided. Barricades are placed in order to prohibit vehicles from entering high water areas, and drivers are advised that the city police may cite non-authorized vehicles found driving past barricades. Cars traveling through high water in these barricaded areas can stall out and also cause property damage by creating waves.
Residents in low-lying or flood prone areas who will need sandbags are urged to obtain sand and bags from those businesses that have them available at the present time. Those who need sandbags should obtain them now, available at Rainbow Ag, Lakeport, 279-0550; Mendo Mill, Lakeport, 263-8400; Kelseyville Lumber, 279-4298; Lake Builders Supply, Nice, 274-6607 and Piedmont Rock Yard, 2345 S. Main St., 349-7499 (sandbags and sand).
Additionally, sand can be picked up at the following locations: R.B. Peters, 78 Soda Bay Road, Lakeport, 263-3678; Mendo Mill, 2465 S. Main St., Lakeport, 263-8400; Kelseyville Lumber, 3555 N. Main St., 279-4298; Pivniska Trucking, 85 W. Highway 20, Upper Lake, 275-3203; Layne Paving and Trucking, 3700 Old Highway 53, Clearlake, 994-6324 and Clear Lake Lava, 14572 E. Highway 20, Clearlake Oaks, 998-1115.
The playground at Library Park is closed. The entrance to the main walkway adjacent to the shoreline in Library Park will be barricaded shortly. This is done in the interest of public safety. This walkway, because of the high water, wave action, and debris, is closed to the public and is to be avoided. Please stay out of this area for your own safety.
Local newspapers, radio, news websites and television stations should be consulted for the latest information on flooding conditions. Flood-related problems in the City of Lakeport can be reported to the Lakeport Public Works Department during regular working hours by calling 263-0751. Emergency situations or after hour problems, should be reported to the Lakeport Police Department at 263-5491.
