As the next series of storms loom over Northern and Central California, officials advise preparing your house, car, and self before Friday.
The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for the entire Bay Area starting Saturday morning through Monday afternoon.
The Friday rain is expected to surpass 1.5 inches in the North Bay and could be above 0.6 inches in San Francisco, the Peninsula, and the East Bay.
NWS puts Saturday’s rain totals at 1 to 2 inches in the North Bay, 1 to 1.5 inches in San Francisco and the East Bay, and .5 to 1 inch in the South Bay. And from Sunday to Monday, NWS predicts rain totals to be between 1 and 1.5 inches in the North Bay and .5 to 1 inch in San Francisco, the East Bay, and the South Bay.
According to NWS, accumulated rainfall from Friday through Monday is in between 3 to 6 inches in the North Bay and 2 to 3 inches in San Francisco, the East Bay, and the South Bay.
Power outages, road closures, and flooding are most likely to happen.
So here’s what you can do to prepare for this storm.
- Stay informed by turning to local news or weather alert services.
- Stock up on necessities, including prescriptions, toiletries, and food. But bottled water and consider freeing some of it to prevent food spoilage in case of a power outage.
- Have an emergency kit. Make sure to include flashlights, extra batteries, candles, and matches.
- Charge cellphones and power banks.
- Ready your car and slow down. Check your brakes, windshield wipers, and oil. Avoid traveling if you can. If you must travel, always follow the speed limit.
- Prepare your property. Secure outdoor furniture and make sure storm drains are clear to prevent excess flooding.
In case of a power outage, stay away from downed powerlines and call PG&E power information line at 1-800-743-5002.
