River flood swamps buildings in California
A rain-swollen river in Northern California has flooded about 2,000 homes and businesses along a valley famous for its wineries and left residents of one town stranded by high waters.
Water rose to the roofs of homes and submerged cars as the Russian River overflowed its banks, forcing authorities in Sonoma County, about 110 km north of San Francisco, to order the evacuation of 3,600 people, local authorities said.
Residents got around flooded towns in kayaks, an indication that not everyone evacuated.
Members of the National Guard and local rescuers used helicopters, boats and high-clearance vehicles to reach about 60 people who stayed behind and needed help.
Guerneville, a community of more than 4,500 people that is the largest town in the flood zone, was cut off from other areas by inundated roadways, the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office said on Twitter.
The Russian River rose to more than 13.7 metres late on Wednesday, well over flood stage of 9.8 metres. The river was expected to fall below flood stage at the end of Thursday.
The flooding was the worst since 1995 said National Weather Service meteorologist Carolina Walbrun.
The latest inundation was caused by a so-called atmospheric river of moisture from the Pacific Ocean stalling over the region.
Sonoma County officials have asked California Governor Gavin Newsom to declare an emergency in the area to help with recovery.
Australian Associated Press