With an atmospheric river set to bring  more heavy rains in the coming days, the City of Lathrop is providing free sandbags to residents that may need them.

As of January 3, Lathrop residents can visit the parking lot of Manuel Valverde Park – located at 15557 5th Street – to fill sandbags that they may need in order to prevent localized flooding. Commonly known as a “Pineapple Express” storm, atmospheric rivers are known to drop large quantities of precipitation that can overwhelm gutters and storm drains.

The self-serve station includes bags and sand for people to fill themselves if necessary – suggesting that they fill them only halfway or two-thirds full so that they can be stacked to be more effective at preventing water from flowing through. The city is asking that households limit their take to 10 bags.

The second atmospheric river to hit California in a week, the weather front prompted constant monitoring by city staff to ensure that storm basins were operating effectively and storm drains that were clogged with leaves – leading to localized flooding – are cleared.

Lathrop residents needing to report utility issues that arise as a result of the storm can contact the public works department during normal business hours at 209.941.7430. Those with maintenance services issues such as streets, roads, or parks, can call 209.941.7370 or 209.941.7372. For after-hours emergencies residents can call 209.992.0028.

Current weather forecasts for rain through Thursday before a brief clearing on Friday gives way to another storm over the weekend that is expected to stretch through the middle of next week.

To contact Bulletin reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.