Rainfall: Significant, but not threatening major flooding

People in the Crescent City and Brookings area have been using rain gear and umbrellas to weather the latest storm systems.

Rainfall, heavy at times, poured out of the sky but not enough to send rivers to flood state according to two meteorologists at the National Weather Service.

National Weather Service Meteorologist Matthew Kidwell, at the Eureka Office, said Crescent City had 1.78 inches of rain in the past 48 hours, not enough to make a significant flood issue in Del Norte County.

"The rivers have come up quite a bit but they are still well below flood stage," Kidwell said.

Brookings experienced 1.02 inches of rainfall in the past 48 hours, according to Mike Petrucelli, meteorologist at the Medford National Weather Service Office, who told the Pilot that there have been some increases in the rivers, but nothing significant.

"The dry summer and fall has kept them low," he said. "There is no concern in getting to an action stage. The Chetco River is currently just under 7 feet. The action stage, when we would be closely monitoring that river, is at 18 feet, so we are well below that."

Petrucelli said there would have to be much heavier rainfall and high tides to cause the rivers to reach flood stage.

A break is expected in the rainstorms trough the weekend with day time temperatures in the mid to upper 40s and night side temperatures dipping into the low 40s.

The National Weather Service is continuing a High Surf Advisory along the Beaches in Curry and Del Norte counties until 7 p.m. Friday due to the latest storm systems. Large breaking waves will create hazardous conditions along and within the surf zone. Beach erosion is possible, and exposed infrastructure may be damaged.

Beach visitors are urged to stay away from the surf zone and off of jetties. Area beaches may become hazardous due to dangerous surf conditions.