Washout along lower Russian River blocks part of Highway 116 in Monte Rio

"A washout late Monday along a bend of the storm-swollen lower Russian River has led authorities to close eastbound Highway 116 near Monte Rio. Eastbound traffic was being diverted into the westbound lane, according to Gold Ridge Fire Protection District Assistant Chief Steve Baxman. The Russian River is undercutting a 100-foot-long segment of the road, eating away as much as 75 lateral feet of the highway. The closure was first reported by the California Highway Patrol about 4:05 p.m."

"A Monte Rio weather gauge recorded 1.2 inches of rain between 5:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday, said Karleisa Rogacheski, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service's Bay Area office. There had been 2.02 inches of rain over the 24-hour period ending at 5:30 p.m. Monday. Also during those 24 hours, 1.65 inches of rain was recorded at Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport. As much as 1.85 inches was reported in Santa Rosa with 0.67 inches in Napa."

Eastbound Highway 116 near Monte Rio was closed after a washout along a bend of the storm-swollen lower Russian River undercut a 100-foot-long segment and removed as much as 75 lateral feet of the highway. Eastbound traffic was diverted into the westbound lane. No injuries were reported and the nearest home was vacant. The closure occurred just west of Monte Rio near Monte Cristo Avenue and was first reported about 4:05 p.m. Heavy rain fell across Sonoma County, with gauges recording between 0.67 and 5 inches in the prior 24 hours. River level at Guerneville was 20 feet and forecast to rise to 29 feet, below flood stage.

Read at The Mercury News