The region’s sheriff’s office and fire departments are raising awareness about the potential flooding risks due to the incoming heavy rain, advising everyone to prepare for the event now.
The Susanville Fire Department will provide sandbags to affected households within the city. Each home is limited to 15 bags, which can be picked up this afternoon. Bring your own shovel. If sandbags were previously placed on your property and have been moved or removed, replace them immediately.
Plumas County is also providing sand and sandbags for those in need. You can fill sandbags at the Feather River College baseball parking lot in Quincy or the Chester Fire Station for the Chester/Lake Almanor area. For Eastern Plumas County, go to the Portola City Public Works building on Main Street. Sandbags are limited, and efforts are being made to deliver more. In Indian Valley, go to the Indian Valley Fire Station located south of Greenville on Hwy 89. In Loyalton, you can get sandbags from the county road shop or the county dump.
Emergency officials suggest clearing gutters and drainage outlets of snow to prevent localized flooding. If localized flooding occurs, avoid flooded roads, stay clear of fast-moving creeks and rivers, and follow emergency signage. The storm could result in accumulated snow mixed with rain, increasing your rooftop’s snow load weight. It’s best to consult a professional to remove snow from your roof before the event.
If you’re in Plumas County and willing to assist community members with driveway clearing and rooftop snow removal, call 530-283-6300 to be added to the list.
The upcoming storm can cause power failures, loss of communication services, and hazardous roads. Be prepared with enough food, supplies, and gas in case of emergencies.
The Susan River, flood action stage, is 10.5 feet, and the river is projected to peak below that mark. The middle fork of the Feather River near Portola is also projected to peak below the flood stage. Check the National Weather Service’s hydrology page to monitor the rivers near your area.
The reno national weather service states the main impacts are expected to be on smaller creeks and streams and poor drainage areas, but minor to moderate river flooding can not be ruled out.
