Batten down hatches: wild weather warning!

PRESS RELEASE
Multiple Storm Alert

For: Martin Luther King Weekend through Thursday, January 21, 2010
Date:  Friday, January 15, 2010
Contact: Kathleen K Rustrum, OES Coordinator   
(209) 533-5511

Sonora – The Tuolumne County Office of Emergency Services would like to inform Tuolumne County residents and visitors that the National Weather Service reports there are back to back storms on their way over the next two weeks.

There is a chance of precipitation on Saturday and Saturday night, January 16-17^th, 2010, however this system is expected to be weak. After that, we have a wet week in store  – Sunday, January 17th through at least Thursday the 21^st. 

The forecast is for a series of systems moving through northern California with a deep upper level trough off the California coast and the jet stream shifted south into southern California.  Significant precipitation is expected with these systems. Precipitation amounts through Thursday may be from 6 to 9 inches in the mountains.

Snow levels are expected to drop to 3000 to 4500 feet in the north and around 4000 to 5500 feet over the west slope of the Sierra Nevada. Periods of moderate to strong southerly winds are also expected with these systems.

Now is the time to prepare! Residents are advised to clean out your house gutters and nearby ditches.  Take appropriate measures around homes that are located in areas prone to flooding with sandbags.  

Tuolumne County residents and visitors are also reminded to:

• Reduce or eliminate unnecessary travel during periods of severe weather.
• Have emergency supplies on hand: sandbags in flood-prone zones, food/water, flashlights, battery-operated radio, ‘live’ batteries, prescription medications, etc.
• Check in on neighbors who may have special needs – in advance of the storm.
• Ready for the potential of a power outages due to wind, downed trees, etc.
• Check to insure pets/livestock are safe, especially those animal that live outdoors.
• Listen to local radio stations (and TV stations) for changing weather conditions.
• And, please use 911 only when it is vitally necessary.

Sandbag Resources

County Emergency Services, in conjunction with County Public Works, has established locations for emergency sand to mitigate flooding at residents’ homes or businesses.  County residents may pick up sand at the following locations on Friday, January 15th:

• Columbia Airport; Airport Rd at the edge of the paved parking lot
• The City of Tuolumne; on the corner of Baker and Birch Streets
• Jamestown Road Yard; 7^th Avenue, behind Jamestown Elementary

Please bring your own shovel and bags to fill. Empty sandbags may be purchased at any of our local hardware or ranch supply stores.

County Fire, Cal Fire, Public Works, Safety and Law Enforcement personnel are currently on stand-by, preparing for this storm. 

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