November 10, 2014

Storm Update

Yolo County Office of Emergency Services Update
Reported - Dec 10 2014

Confidence continues to increase in a severe winter storm bringing significant impacts to the area. Downed trees and power lines are expected from widespread wind gusts of 50 to 65 mph in the valley and higher values in foothills and mountains. Heavy rain will then move across the area starting late Wednesday night in the northern Sacramento valley pushing southward through the day and evening. A wide area will likely receive from 2 to 4 inches in the valley with higher amounts in the foothills. Urban, small stream and flash flooding will be possible. In the higher terrain, heavy snow and strong winds will create blizzard conditions creating very hazardous travel Thursday and Thursday night.

Impacts
* Downed trees and power outages, possibly widespread
* Areal and urban flooding resulting in heavy PM commute impacts
* Upper Sacramento River level may rise above flood stage
* Debris flows over burn scars
* Hazardous travel with blizzard conditions above 6000 feet

Forecast Confidence
* High for wind and blizzard conditions
* High for Urban and small stream flooding
* Medium for main stem river impacts

Timing and Strength
* Period of most damaging winds midnight Wednesday through early afternoon Thursday.
* Heaviest rain Thursday AM north Sac Valley pushing to Sac Metro by Thursday afternoon and evening.
* Snow levels starting at pass level Thursday morning lowering to 5500 by evening.

Current Stream Gauges
* All gauges read as normal stage
* YCFCWCD anticipates minor flood releases at Cache Creek Dam and with the high winds it is quite possible that the primary power supply will go down. IF the flood release happens, it will be of short duration and in the range of 500-2000 cfs. That fact has been communicated to both Lake County and the Cal/Nev River Forecast Center. River Forecast center has been asked to consider this possibility in their flow forecasts at Rumsey and at Yolo. Since both of these locations have forecasted flows will below flood stage, this should not create any problems. They indicated that they might however move the flood designation to Monitor Stage.

Updated Emergency Cell Phone Numbers

▫ Cell phone users/Police Emergencies: (530) 758-3600
▫ Cell phone users/Fire Emergencies: (530) 756-3400

*Charge your cell phones, laptops, tablets, etc....Today

Other News

The City has sandbags & sand available:

5 bag limit - Distributed at 1818 5th Street starting Thursday Dec 11th 8:00am
Free of charge - Shovels are available, however if possible, please bring your own

The Fire Dept. has added an additional engine from 8am Wednesday through 8am Friday to add surge capacity during the worst part of the storm.

Today the City set up the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in advance of the storm to ensure equipment is ready to go if needed. The City continues to work closely with UC Davis and Yolo County in preparation efforts.

Storm Preparation Tips & City Contact Information

A major storm is on track to impact Northern California later this week. According to the National Weather Service, this storm could be the strongest the region has seen in years.

Current forecasts predict sustained winds of 20-30 mph with gusts of 40-50 mph and

1-3 inches of rain in the valley. The rain is predicted to begin Wednesday night and continue into Thursday. The heaviest rain is predicted for Thursday and stormy weather is expected to last into Friday.

In preparation for the forecasted storm, the City of Davis offers the following suggestions:

Preparation

Ensure curbs, gutters and storm drains are clear of leaves and debris to minimize the impact on the storm drainage system. During significant rainstorms, street flooding can occur if there is too much water to move through the storm drain system or debris has blocked the drains.
Securely tether or bring in outside holiday decorations, outdoor furniture and umbrellas.
Grocery shop, fuel your vehicles, make sure your prescriptions are filled and do other essential errands in advance, so that you don't have to go out during the storm
Bring your pets inside before the storm hits.
Make a Family Communications Plan. It is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.

During the Storm

Postpone all non-essential driving until after the storm. If you must drive, turn your headlights on, slow down, allow extra time to stop and watch for cyclists and pedestrians.
Don't drive through standing water. It doesn't take a lot of water to cause a vehicle to stall or be set afloat.
Take precautions when walking and cycling, wet roads combined with wet leaves can create hazardous conditions. When cycling, use front and rear lights and wear bright, reflective clothing, as visibility for all road users will be decreased.
In preparation for a possible power outage, have battery-operated flashlights and radios with fresh batteries ready. Use battery-operated flashlights, not candles.
Once the storm begins, all athletic fields and the Toad Hollow Dog Park will be closed due to the inclement weather.
Monitor the media, City's website & social media channels for updates and emergency messages. Please don't call 9-1-1 unless you have a true emergency.

Contact Information

Non-Emergency Needs

Submit a work request at: Cityofdavis.org

Select, Go Davis - Customer Service Center

Medical or Public Safety Emergencies

Call 9-1-1
▫ Cell phone users/Police Emergencies: (530) 758-3600
▫ Cell phone users/Fire Emergencies: (530) 756-3400

Fallen Trees/Limbs
During business hours - Davis Parks (530) 757-5633 or (530) 757-5656
After hours - Davis Police non-emergency line (530) 747-5400

Traffic Signal & Street Light Outages/Downed Street Signs
During business hours - Davis Public Works (530) 757-5686
After hours - Davis Police non-emergency line (530) 747-5400

Localized Flooding and Drainage Issues
During business hours - Davis Public Works (530) 757-5686
After hours - Davis Police non-emergency line (530) 747-5400

Power Outage or Downed Power Lines

Contact PG&E at 1-800-743-5002
Online Services

City Website & Social Media Channels for Updates and Emergency Messages
Facebook
Twitter
Nextdoor

Yolo-Alert (Emergency Notifications)

AM Radio Station 1300

City of Davis crews will be working throughout the community and will respond to your requests as soon as they are able.

City Hall, 23 Russell Blvd, Davis CA 95616 (530) 757-5602

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