LAKE COUNTY >> Despite barriers and warnings, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office has received several calls about vehicles driving through flooded streets.
LCSO Lt. Steve Brooks said reports have come in from several low-lying areas around the county, but significantly more from Clearlake Oaks, where several roadways are actually under the level of Clear Lake. Other calls have come from the shoreline neighborhoods in Lakeport.
“Deputies are patrolling those areas,” Brooks said. “They’re still driving fast through there.”
Brooks pointed out that ignoring closed roadways is one thing, but driving fast has even worse implications. Last week a crew from PG&E warned residents on one flooded street that wakes could force them to shut down a ground level transformer.
“It can cause a lot of damage to homes,” Brooks said.
Clear Lake’s level may be slowly lowering, but many homes and properties still rest below the current level of just under 10 feet on the Rumsey Gauge — still above the 9 foot flood mark. Brooks said he suspects those who drive through could live elsewhere, or conversely, people who live in the area and feel they don’t need to comply.
“They can be cited for it,” Brooks said.
Citations would likely include improper driving in the current conditions.
