As Northern California today weathers the second day of severe wind and rain, forecasters warn two more storm systems are on their way to drench Manteca, Ripon and Lathrop between Saturday and Tuesday.
*The brunt of the current storm that started Wednesday is expected to have wind gusts potentially up to 50 mph and drop as much as 3 inches of rain before it passes through the valley mid- to late-afternoon today. Snow accumulation is expected to reach 4 feet on the Sierra crest.
*Friday will see light precipitation.
*The next storm will hit Saturday and Sunday. It has the potential to drop between 0.5 and 1 inches on South San Joaquin County with the snow level dropping down to 5,500 feet. In the Sierra, another 2 feet of snow is expected near passes such as Tioga on Highway 120 and Sonora on Highway 108.
*A storm on Monday and Tuesday is expected to bring between 2 and 3 inches of rain to the Manteca area but as much as 7.5 inches to Yosemite Valley. The snowpack on the upper reaches of the Sierra may increase by another 4 feet.
Manteca has closed all city parks — including the golf course — as a major storm with wind gusts up to 50 mph is creating public safety challenges.
Interim City Manager Toni Lundgren said parks were closed Wednesday and will remain closed today. The move was made due to the potential for falling trees and/or branches.
Meanwhile, Caltrans has urged motorists to avoid traveling if possible through at least 4 p.m. today as the brunt of “The Pineapple Express” slams into Northern California.
City of Manteca emergency workers are advising people:
*To use extreme caution when driving
*Treat inoperable traffic signals as a 4-way stop
*Never enter a flooded area with your vehicle
*Keep electronic devices fully charged for purposes of communication in case of a power outage.
*A self-service sandbag site is available 24/7 at 210 E. Wetmore Street
Street flooding
If you encounter street flooding do not attempt to drive through.
Report street flooding, roadway debris, and other drainage issues by calling 209-456-8449 during business hours and 209-456-8101 after hours.
To ensure an efficient response be prepared to provide the location including closest cross street.
Downed trees
For downed trees and limbs that have damaged a structure or vehicle call 911.
To report downed trees that are impeding the public right of way including streets and sidewalks please call 209-456-8636 during business hours and 209-456-8101 after hours.
To ensure an efficient response be prepared to provide the location including closest cross street.
Downed power lines
Do not approach or touch any downed lines.
For downed lines that are arcing or sparking call 911 and for non-hazardous lines please call 209-464-4648.
To ensure an efficient response be prepared to provide the location including closest cross street.
Caltrans activated approximately 1,200 electronic highway signs statewide to display urgent safety messaging.
“Safety is always Caltrans’ priority, so as a violent storm deluges our state, today we activated our electronic message signs to advise everyone to avoid unnecessary travel during the peak of the storm,” said Caltrans Director Tony Tavares. “If travel cannot be postponed, we urge motorists to drive slowly, allow themselves plenty of time and be especially alert.”
Caltrans has prioritized staffing, with more than 4,000 crew members working 12-hour shifts.
The state agency has also placed equipment at critical locations to prepare for flooding and mudslides to quickly respond to emergencies. Caltrans is also monitoring bridges as the river levels rise and water flows increase.
If travel is unavoidable, Caltrans urges drivers — before they get on the road — to go to the Caltrans website and check QuickMap.dot.ca.gov for real-time traffic information or call 1-800-427-ROAD.
To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com
