SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A potentially dangerous storm bringing high winds and rain had California on alert Saturday.
Thousands of boots on the ground, including water rescue crews and local emergency teams, were deployed throughout the state ahead of the storm with major impacts Sunday through Monday.
People took advantage of the break in the weather Saturday to finish up preparations for the brunt of the second storm to hit the Northern California region in the past week.
“They trimmed that off quite a lot. It was an all day process,” said Sacramento resident Bill Dannevik.
Due to the high winds, officials are advising folks get prepared for the possibility of trees and branches falling.
Residents like Jane Sadler and Ian Brady spent the day heeding that warning, making sure their new home wouldn’t be hit too hard by the incoming rain.
“We're going get tons of rain coming down here, it's going to go swishing out right into the neighbor's driveway and out,” said Brady. “We don't have any more flooding.”
Sadler says they installed downspouts now because the last storm made the bottom of their driveway turn into a lake.
“So, (we’re) trying to get prepared this time,” she said.
California Office of Emergency Services officials say people should expect heavy rain and strong winds.
Director Nancy Ward says people should avoid going outside due to the potential of “dangerous debris, falling tree limbs and downed power lines.”
They’re also expecting the high winds, which are expected to have gusts over 60 mph, to potentially knock out power.
“If you don't need to be on the roadways during the storm event or asking you to please please postpone any non essential travel until after the storm passes,” said Caltrans director Tony Tavares.
Ward warns that six inches of water can knock down an adult, 12 inches can sweep away vehicles and two feet can move SUVs and trucks.
Track PG&E power outages here and SMUD outages here.
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