The City is prepared to address an upcoming rain storm and other significant weather-related issues and encourages residents to prepare for the wet weather.
According to the National Weather Service, a winter storm is projected to bring up to six inches of rain and strong and gusty winds throughout the North Bay and Bay Area tonight through Thursday.
To get ready for inclement weather, City Public Works staff flushed the City’s storm drain system earlier this fall. As a result, most of the debris and leaves have been removed from the system, lowering the potential for clogged storm drain piping. In addition, before, during and after each rain event, Public Works continually monitors areas identified as high risk for localized flooding.
City staff also repaired and placed back into service two large pumps at the Magnolia pump station. The pump station collects and moves all the City’s wastewater to the Wastewater Treatment Plant. During the winter months, rain and groundwater infiltrate the City’s sewer collection system and increase the amount of wastewater flowing to the treatment plant. Ensuring these pumps are ready for operations prepares the City for wet weather throughout the winter.
The City’s two stormwater detention basins are designed to store rainwater during peak wet weather and to release water as storms lighten. Doing so allows creeks and rivers to maintain a safe water level during rain events like the ones predicted next week. In addition, on-call maintenance staff is available 24 hours a day if an issue does arise. Please call (707) 431-7000 for a water, sewer, electric or stormwater issue.
The City is also monitoring river levels via the National Weather Service (https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?gage=heac1&wfo=mtr). Sonoma Water has also created a collection of USGS flow and river level data at: https://sonoma.onerain.com.
Here are tips to help you prepare your home for rainy weather:
- Inspect roof: Look for loose shingles, aging spots and areas that sag. You can usually replace broken or missing shingles. If large portions of the roof are damaged, you may need a new roof.
- Clean gutters: Spray a hose through your gutters. You can use a trowel to scoop out anything that's clogging your gutters.
- Seal windows and doors: Make sure they open and shut properly and that they're completely sealed. Even a tiny gap may let in some water.
- Check ceiling for signs of leakage: Scan your ceilings for water marks and look for peeling paint.
- Clear home’s perimeter: Remove broken tree limbs and other debris that can potentially damage your home. Keep trees trimmed above the roof and gutter and avoid planting anything within 10-20 feet of your home. Also, make sure your driveway has proper drainage and remove anything that may be an obstacle for water.
- Safely store lawn equipment and power tools in a dry place. Apply a waterproofing treatment to your wood garden or deck furniture to protect them against heavy downfalls.