Winter storm could bring up to 4 inches of rain
Local emergency services prepare for heavy storm
The National Weather Service issued a warning for a powerful winter storm that is predicted to hit the area Thursday and Friday. It is expected to include strong winds and heavy rainfall, as well as high surf for the coastal areas. According to the National Weather Service, the initial cold front is expected to bring a four- to six-hour period of moderate to heavy rainfall to the Central Coast late Thursday evening and going into Friday.
So far for the rain season — which is July 1 through June 30 — Paso Robles has received a total of 2.89 inches. The coming storm is expected is to bring one to four inches of rain with the highest rainfall totals in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. Most of Paso Robles’ rainfall for the season has occurred in the first week of December for a total of 1.86 inches. One inch came in November and .03 inches in July.
Look out for falling trees and power lines
In the 2013-14 rain season, Paso Robles got a total of 6.13 inches, the majority — 2.75 inches — falling in February. The 2012-13 season had a total of 7.18 inches; the most — 3.94 — falling in December.
“Because a lot of the trees have been stressed by the drought, we may see more trees losing limbs or falling down,” CalFIRE Chief Robert Lewin warns. The trees may take power lines with them, he says.
Lewin warns residents to stay clear down power lines and to notify call 911 immediately and then notify PG&E at 1-800-743-5002. However, Lewin recommends to refrain from calling 911 if power is lost.
“Do not call 911 unless it’s a true emergency,” Lewin says.
PG&E says to expect power outages
PG&E encourages customers to have a preparedness plan ready for the coming storm because power outages are likely to happen due to significant rainfall, potential flooding and high winds.
According to a press release issued by PG&E, crews are prepared and ready to respond to power outages as soon as weather conditions permit the safe restoration of power.
Safety tips:
- Always treat low hanging and downed power lines as if they are energized and extremely dangerous. Keep yourself and others away from them. Be aware that trees, pools of water and other objects that may be in contact with power lines.
- During a power outage, use battery-operated flashlights, and not candles, due to the risk of fire. If candles are used, keep them away from drapes, lampshades, holiday trees and small children. Do not leave candles unattended.
- Customers with generators should make sure they are properly installed by a licensed electrician in a well-ventilated area. Improperly installed generators pose a significant danger to crews working on power lines.
- Unplug or turn off all electrical appliances when power goes out to avoid overloading circuits and to prevent fire hazards when power is restored. Simply leave a single lamp on to alert you when power returns. Turn your appliances back on one at a time when conditions return to normal.
- Do not use alternative heating sources such as barbecues or ovens.
“Instead bundle up, or go someplace else when it’s safe to leave,” Lewin says, adding that people should stock up on batteries and flashlights. Paso Robles City Fire Department Emergency Services officer Kevin Taylor agreed with Lewin.
Get sandbags to prepare for flooding
Lewin and Taylor both encouraged people to be prepared in the case of flooding. For those that anticipate the potential for flooding on their property, there are several Paso Robles business that sell sandbags. The sandbags can then be filled for free at the City Streets Yard at 1220 Paso Robles St. Those who utilize this service should bring a shovel.
Sandbags are available for purchase at the following Paso Robles locations:
- AJ Supply, 1108 Paso Robles St.,(805) 239-4317
- Lowe’s, 2445 Golden Hill Road, (805) 602-9051
- Blake’s, 1701 Riverside Ave., (805) 238-3934
- OSH, 2505 Theatre Drive, 226-0604
- Farm Supply, 2450 Ramada Drive, (805) 238-1177
In Atascadero, sand is available to the public at Fire Station 1 on Lewis Avenue
For an emergency, contact the Paso Robles Police Department (805) 237-6464.
