Guerneville residents return to begin flood cleanup

Residents and non-residents are now allowed into flood areas along the Russian River, the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office said early Friday afternoon.

The sheriff’s office, however is asking people who do not have legitimate business in the area to stay away. Equipment is still removing debris from roads and residents and business owners are busy cleaning their homes and properties, the sheriff’s office said.

Sonoma County staff this weekend are assessing damage to an estimated 2,600 properties that were flooded when the Russian River crested at 45.4 feet Wednesday and rendered Guerneville an island.

Residences face yellow, red or green tags and residents should not enter their property until it has been assessed, the sheriff’s office said.

The American Red Cross is distributing a re-entry kit that includes a bucket, rags, mop, broom and cleaning solution, and a limited number of leather gloves are also available. The kits are available 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday through Sunday at the Guerneville Park and Ride on state Highway 116, Mirabel Park and Ride on Mirabel and River roads in Forestville and the Monte Rio Community Center at 20488 Highway 116 in Monte Rio.

Sonoma County is setting up debris drop-off locations and hazardous waste will not be accepted.

PG&E is monitoring and repairing power outages, and a map is available at pge.com/outages.