Salinas neighborhood braces for winter flooding

It was less than a year ago that more than a dozen residents battled flood waters gushing through their homes. With El Nino shaping up to be strong this winter, first responders and homeowners are preparing.

“Really bad it was scary,” said Corina Hernandez.

The Hernandez’s remember last December’s flooding like it was yesterday.

More than 18 inches of water filled up homes after an irrigation ditch breached the levy in two different places.

“I didn’t know if there was holes in the road,” said Hernandez. “I didn’t know if we were going to go in the holes you know.”

This family along with others on Russel Road and Paul Avenue are getting ready for other potential floods and El Nino.

“I already told my brothers and sisters that we need to board up the windows and start cutting up wood,” said Hernandez.

They’re stocking up their pantry, storing water, getting sand bags and even considering purchasing a rafter.

“If it floods that high we just get on the raft and hopefully survive it,” said Diana Chacon.

The Salinas Fire Department has already got them beat.

The department is spending close to $100,000 dollars on three rescue boats, dry suits and personal protected gear.

“If someone falls into a waterway, if someones trapped, if someone goes with their vehicle, we’ll have the necessary equipment to safely get them out of the water but also keep our firefighters safe,” said Chief Edmond Rodriguez.

The Monterey County Water Resources Agency tell KION News they are also prepping Russel road for potential flooding.

They have submitted paperwork to get permitting to start digging and cleaning vegetation and sediment to allow greater capacity in the channel.