Posted December 31, 2005 at 8:30 p.m.
Uodated December 31, 2005 at 9:55 p.m.  

(KRON) -- Residents of low lying areas in the Lower Russian River area are urged to evacuate their homes immediately as officials prepare for the waterway to crest well above flood stage.

That's one of the latest crises facing people across the Bay Area after a series of strong storms roared through the region on Saturday.

In downtown Napa streets flooded causing damage to many businesses. The Napa river inundated several streets drawing the curious from around the area to take a closer look. The river crested at five feet above flood stage.

Officials say the Napa river started to recede by late Saturday.

Crews spent much of the day conducting helicopter and large truck rescues. In Sonoma County, choppers had to pluck at least six people out of harm's way.

In San Anselmo, the creek overflowed causing damage to as many as 70 businesses.

In Petaluma, KRON 4's Julie Akins says the river rushed wildly through town but never got up or past the major bridges. Stony Point road had the look of an inland sea, complete with waves. Severe flooding hit the Factory Outlet Mall in Petaluma but most of the water stayed in the parking lot.

Most of the problems happened in the North Bay but the South Bay and the Santa Cruz mountains also sustained damage in the storm. Several homes were flooded in the Felton area while mudslides delayed traffic on Highways 17 and 84. KRON 4's Craig Sklar found a number of trees down blocking major roadways in the area.

Traffic on Interstate 80 in Fairfield is now open again after being shut for much of the day Saturday on the westbound side with four feet of standing water blocking the roadway. The divider acted as a dam holding back the water from the eastbound side where traffic was allowed to proceed.

In Contra Costa County, KRON 4's Will Tran visited a Mervyn's store where the rains and wind caused serious damage to the store's roof. No one was hurt but customers were kept out all day Saturday for their own safety.

Stay tuned to KRON 4 News for continuing coverage all weekend of this developing weather information.

(Copyright 2005, KRON 4, All rights reserved.)