Authorities have issued an urgent state of emergency for the centuries-old town of Saint Felice, as continuous torrential rainfall in the watershed region has caused river levels to rise to critical heights. The dramatic surge in water volume means that Flooding Threatens Historic structures and residential areas in the low-lying town center, renowned for its 18th-century architecture and ancient stone bridge. The emergency declaration, signed by Mayor Helen Vance at 10:00 AM on Thursday, October 9, 2025, mandates immediate mandatory evacuation for all residents in zones A and B, which encompass the entire riverside district and the old town square.
The crisis stems from the rapid overflow of the River Celeste, which saw its water level spike by an alarming seven feet in less than 24 hours. Meteorologists from the National Weather Service (NWS) have attributed the surge to a stalled low-pressure system that has dumped over 15 inches of rain onto the surrounding mountains since Tuesday. NWS forecaster Dr. Thomas Klein warned that the river is expected to crest at a record-breaking level by Friday morning, making the threat posed by the Flooding Threatens Historic town immediate and potentially catastrophic. Officials are particularly concerned about the structural integrity of the old cobblestone streets and the foundations of buildings built before the 1900s.
In response to the escalating situation, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has mobilized over 200 National Guard troops and local Police Department personnel, all of whom are coordinating evacuation and flood defense efforts. SEMA Director David Chen confirmed that 5,000 sandbags have already been deployed around the perimeter of the Saint Felice Cathedral, the town’s most valued landmark, to mitigate the risk. The mandatory evacuation order affects approximately 2,500 residents, who are being directed to temporary shelters set up at the Regional High School in the neighboring community of Upland View. Officials urged residents to comply immediately, noting that the window for safe departure is rapidly closing as the Flooding Threatens Historic areas by late evening.
Adding to the complexity, the Heritage Preservation Society is working with emergency crews to secure smaller, movable artifacts from the threatened municipal museum, emphasizing the need to protect the cultural treasures that define the town. The devastating reality is that while modern defenses are being erected, the unique, porous nature of the ancient construction in the town makes it extremely vulnerable to water damage, meaning the Flooding Threatens Historic structures in a way contemporary buildings are not. The SEMA has publicly appealed for more volunteer assistance to help reinforce the temporary barriers, as the race against the rising River Celeste continues into the night.