The Paradise Community Buckles Down for Significant Rain and Wind

The National Weather Service is forecasting a late February storm that is bringing significant rain and wind. Paradise residents should know a high wind advisiory has been posted for Saturday and Sunday, February 23 and 24th. 2008.  

According to the latest advisory, breezy winds will develop Saturday afternoon and are expected in increase in severity as the evening progresses. By Saturday night winds are expected to approach 20-30 MPH with 40 MPH sustained.  Here is the tough part of this storm.  The ridge could experience gust of 60 miles per hour. 


This morning would be a great time to buckle down the hatches and prepare.  Because in addition, the winds will be accompanied by moderate to heavy rainfall creating driving rains and poor visibility on the roads.  Live Traffic Cams - Caltrans Highways Statewide and California Highway Information - Interactive Map (Caltrans).

Drop by the local grocery store to stock up on a few items, after the storm in early January, there is significant possibility of power outages and flooding. The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services is urging residents in the path of this storm to prepare for several days without power.  Use these 10 tips.

1.       Collect important documents (i.e., insurance policies, vital records) that you should take with you if you need to evacuate.

2.       Have an emergency supply kit on hand with at least – food, water, medications, flashlight, battery-powered radio, rain gear, and a first aid kit.

3.       Keep your car fueled in case power is cutoff to local gas stations.

4.       Identify the safe routes from your home or office to high ground.

5.       Establish an out-of-state “family contact” so friends and relatives know who to call to get information.

6.       Keep sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, lumber and other materials handy for waterproofing.

7.       If ordered to evacuate, do so immediately. If you’re stranded, move to your roof so rescuers can see you.

8.       Avoid flooded roadways and waterways. Just six inches of water can sweep you away.

9.       If your car stalls in water, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground.

Please visit the links below for information on preparing for extended power outages: Information For people who live in the burn areas.  For current weather conditions including Local River and Stream Levels, Current Weather Watches, Warnings and Advisories for California, plus see the Current Satellite Image of storm 2008.  

Stay abreast of the current watches and warnings, tune in to http://www.thenet411.net for updates.

Do you know what to do and what Health Precautions residents should take in Flooded Areas.

Thank you.  BE SAFE