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Redwood City – As the Bay Area’s storm door opens with something between a mizzle and a goose drownder, the County of San Mateo urges drivers to slow down and residents to prepare for winter weather.
“Now is the time to check roof drains and down spouts to make sure they are clear of debris,” said Dan Belville, head of the County’s Department of Emergency Management. “And make sure you have flashlights with fresh batteries and other essentials handy. The time to discover you need emergency supplies is before you need them.”
Forecasters predict rain across much of Northern California this weekend, a welcome relief for the drought-plagued Bay Area that is seeing a wetter than normal October.
The National Weather Service @NWSBayArea tweeted: “SFO Airport has set a record rainfall for today Oct 21st. So far 0.44 inches of rain recorded. Old record was 0.13 inches on Oct 21st 1970. #RecordBreakingRainfall #CAwx”
For this weekend, the Weather Service predicts, “An atmospheric river will take aim at the North Bay with light rain developing Saturday Night. Steady rain on Sunday morning will become heavy as the frontal boundary passes through the North Bay and then reaches the Santa Cruz mountains by Sunday afternoon and evening.”
As fall’s leaves shaken loose by winds and rain can lead to clogged storm drains along roadways as new storms roll in, County residents in unincorporated areas may pick up sandbags around-the-clock and free of charge at the following locations. There is a limit of 15.
Princeton Corporation Yard
203 Cornell Ave., Half Moon Bay
(650) 728-7993
Grant Corporation Yard
752 Chestnut Road, Redwood City
(650) 363-4103
La Honda Corporation Yard
59 Entrada Way La Honda(650) 747-0341
Pescadero High School
350 Butano Cutoff Road, Pescadero
Residents in San Mateo County’s 20 cities are urged to contact their local public works department for locations and availability.
“As always, our road crews prepare for storms by patrolling our areas and working to ensure the drainage inlets are clear from debris,” said Ann Stillman, interim Public Works director.
Public Works crews will be patrolling locations prone to flooding and roads affected by last year’s CZU Lightning Complex fires, including Gazos Creek Road, Canyon Road, Wurr Road and Cloverdale Road.
For storm preparedness tips and a guide on the proper use of sandbags, go to https://publicworks.smcgov.org/storm-preparedness
The following are tips from the San Mateo County Department of Emergency Management:
Prepare for the storms
- Have sufficient food and water for yourself and your pets to last for several days.
- Pick up any prescription medication you may need before the storm hits.
- Charge your electronic devices and check your flashlight and radio batteries.
- Have repair supplies available.
- Be aware of changing conditions and monitor your local media for weather alerts and updates.
- If the rain gets serious and you are able, please check on your neighbors.
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