Storm Preparation Advice for Bay Area Residents

BAY AREA, CA -- The Bay Area division of the the National Weather Service is warning that a significant storm is headed to the area. Light rain is expected to begin Saturday, Jan. 7, then become heavy that evening, lasting through Sunday, Jan. 8.

Heavy rainfall could overwhelm waterways and roadway drainage systems, leading to flooding. High winds from 15-30 mph are also expected, with gusts up to 40 mph, which could lead to downed trees and power lines.

Bay Area residents are urged to take certain steps prepare in advance of the storm, including:

• Stock up on flashlights and batteries to be prepared for a power outage. Visit the PG&E website for essential information about power outages: https://m.pge.com/#outages
• If you have flood-prone areas around your home, consider stocking up on sandbags. Complimentary sandbag stations are available to residents of some Bay Area cities. Check your local municipal or county website for more information.
• Secure outdoor items that can be blown about by strong wind.
• Stock up on food and water in order to avoid unnecessary driving during heavy rain and wind.
• Report down trees, power lines, flooding or other hazards by calling your local city of county's non-emergency number.

Additional flood preparedness tips:

• Charge mobile devices in advance of possible power outages
• Avoid walking or driving through flood waters; just six inches of moving water can knock you down and two feet of water can sweep your vehicle away.
• If you receive a flash flood alert, move immediately to higher ground. Flash floods are the number one cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S.
• Get more flood safety tips at https://www.ready.gov/floods
• Get National Weather Service updates at http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/FXC/wxstory.php?wfo=mtr

In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Related:

• Snow Report for Bay Area Residents Headed to Tahoe
• Officials Say Space Heaters Can Cause Fires, PG&E Officials Urge Caution
  
• CHP Reminds You How To Drive In Drizzly Weather & What To Do If Hydroplaning

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