LAKEPORT >> The city of Lakeport held a community flood information meeting to update the public about on current flooding issues and next steps as the waters recede.
Kevin Ingram, Community Development Director who is also the Lakeport flood event information officer, said that with no rain they are seeing an inch to an inch and a half of reduction a day in lake levels. However, even with no rain events Clear Lake still is not likely to fall back to normal levels until the end of March.
Updated forecasts call for the possibility of rain beginning this weekend and lasting several days. For every one third inch of rain the county receives, the Lake gains an extra inch.
In addition to flood levels and rain, Ingram says they have also been keeping a close eye on wind speeds.
“What we’re seeing is a lot of our damage from wind particularly out of the south and the east,” Ingram said. “We are currently monitoring forecasts.”
Lakeport Police Chief Brad Rasmussen said there are California National Guard units on standby to respond to any emergency events were to happen and will continue to be ready to respond as long as he feels necessary.
The National Guard in Santa Rosa provided a high clearance vehicle to go through flooded streets in case of any medical or law enforcement emergencies that could potentially occur.
“We have a procedure set up so they will be called by one of our officers, who will then get in the rig with them and go into the site,” Rasmussen said. “We have several sites in the city that still have significant water on the streets and we want to be able to safely get in and get out without damaging vehicles that shouldn’t be doing that.”
Since the floods began, over 100 residents have been evacuated from their homes and city officials as well as the National Guard have been working hard to get them back in their homes as soon as possible.
“Some areas are more impacted than others with more significant issues we have to address, so we’re still running our emergency operation center,” Rasmussen said. “The goal is to get those lifted and be able to get people driving in areas and using areas and being their homes as soon as we can.”
Rasmussen added where there are barricades people continue to drive past and create wakes in streets making damages to homes and other areas on the street. Those who are driving past the barricades are mostly those who live on that street creating issues for their neighbors.
“We have put out countless press releases and social media post. We have also gone to neighborhoods and worked with neighbors who have told us they would reach out to their neighbors and let them know,” Rasmussen said. “You could put out countless press releases and notices; it’s not going to change people’s behavior.”
Public works director Doug Grider said there are major concerns around the Lakeshore Blvd., where undermining of the pavement has been identified. The dangerous stretch extends at least 200 feet, but authorities are uncertain if it goes any further. They will not be able to confirm the damage until waters recede.
Grider added his staff will be taking a hard look at Royale Ave., with the possibility of reopening the street as early as yesterday evening. The department is also anticipating debris removal on Lakeshore Blvd. from Lange Street to Beach Lane.
Emergency evacuations will continue to remain in effect until further notice.
