Lathrop and Manteca are making free sandbags available to residents while San Joaquin County along with the City of Stockton are closing all parks today and Thursday.
It’s part of efforts to assure public safety as the region braces for wind gusts approaching 50 mph as well as up to 3 inches of rain.
The National Weather Service expects damaging winds to start after 10 a.m. today and last through 4 p.m. Thursday.
The winds will be southernly at 25 mph to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph in San Joaquin County and up to 60 mph in Sacramento County.
Stockton noted the prolonged drought combined with ground saturated from last week’s heavy rains have exposed roots increasing the chances of high winds to snap off branches and topple trees.
Manteca has not closed its parks although people are advised to limit outside activities due to the potential for falling trees and flying debris.
County park closures impact Dos Reis Regional Park, Mossdale Crossing Regional Park and Raymus Village park in the South County.
The county, like Stockton, said there is the potential for park closures to extend into Friday depending upon weather and park conditions.
As of Tuesday night, weather issues prompted Lathrop to close Howland Road from Louise Avenue to D’Arcy Parkway.
Lathrop has also moved its sandbag location to Manuel Valverde Park parking lot, located at 15557 5th Street.
Free sandbags are available for Lathrop residents. This is a self-serve location. Fill bags one-half to two-thirds full. Bags should lie fairly flat when filed. Overfilled bags are too firm and do not nestle into one another. Bags packed too tight can cause water to leak through the sandbag wall. The limit is 10 bags per household.
The City of Manteca is also offering free sandbags for residents. The self-serve sand bag station is at 210 East Wetmore Street in the southeast parking lot.
Emergency official are advising residents countywide of a number of potential concerns:
*Do not drive, ride, walk or wade through standing water. Travel with caution. Slow down. Watch for lane and street closures. Treat all dark or flashing traffic signals as “all-way stops
*Report issues in the public right-of-way, such as fallen limbs and trees, signals, signs, and streetlights
*Preparedness tips are available at Ready.gov where you will find resources, such as checklists, to help you and your family prepare.
To reduce the potential for local neighborhood flooding people are asked to clear leaves, branches, and storm debris away from storm drains near your home. Place yard waste, leaves, and organic debris in your organics waste cart.
To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantcabulletin.com
