City of South Lake Tahoe warns residents and visitors of major weather event

If the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecast is correct, South Lake Tahoe could see the largest rain/snow weather event since the memorable floods of 1997 and 2005.

Those traveling to South Lake Tahoe, and those that live here, are being warned to be prepared for the storm which is slated to reach the Sierra overnight Saturday and last until Monday.

"We recognize that many of NOAA’s forecasts have been incorrect in terms of the amount of snow," said SLT City Manager Nancy Kerry. "However, this Atmospheric River (AR) is unusual in its size and the amount of water vapor content. If the amount of rain occurs, we expect heavy flooding on the Truckee River, lower Keys area, and various other locations in town."

The City is taking precautions to ensure the safety of the community. They've already called the Red Cross in preparation of possible evaluation centers; scheduled staff to work 24/7 to plow and clear drains, and they're asking residents to help, prepare and #StayHomeStaySafe during the storm.

On Friday, January 6, the City is encouraging residents to get prepared by doing the following:

Stay home. If you really don’t have to go out, don’t. Even if you can drive well in the snow, not everyone else can. Don’t tempt fate: If you don’t have somewhere you have to be, #StayHomeStaySafe.

Get sand bags. Sand bags are available at the City yard at 1160 Rufus Allen Blvd and also at Fire Station #3 at 2101 Lake Tahoe Blvd. For those living in Meyers, the County maintenance yard also has bags.

Clear storm drains. There are 1,874 storm drains in the city. City crews will be out clearing to clear high priority drains in expected flood areas. Residents can also help by clearing any storm drains in front of their home. Use a shovel or pick to break ice and snow away from storm drains so that water can enter the drains.

Prepare for utility outage. Gather flashlights and replace batteries. During the storm, Liberty Utility crews will work 24/7 to restore power where needed. To report a power outage, call 844-245-6868.

Keep roofs cleared. Snow with high water content is heavy. When it’s followed up by torrential rain, existing snow on your roof will become heavier. Spend Friday and Saturday clearing as much snow off your residential structures before the next storm arrives.

Expect berms. Heavy snow is more difficult to plow and often results in berms in driveways and at street intersections.

Stock up on supplies. People using oxygen tanks need to have battery back-up power on hand. Residents should store up on food, water, batteries, pet food. #StayHomeStaySafe

Don’t drive through water that is too deep. If flooding occurs, don’t drive through it.

Stay informed. Tune into TV, radio stations, and/or social media for storm updates.

Get the word out. Advise neighbors, friends and family of expected flooding and to plan and prepare.

Emergency Operations. In anticipation of flooding and severe weather, the City has already contacted American Red Cross and prepared its Emergency Operations Teams to be on call and ready to open evacuation centers as needed. Stay up to date with emergency and weather information with the City’s social media accounts, Twitter feed, Facebook, and NewsFlash reports (www.cityofslt.us/signup).

During the 1997 and 2005 floods the following neighborhoods experienced flooding and it is anticipated flooding to occur again during these storms:
- Lower Tahoe Keys
- State streets
- Mobile home parks at 3rd Street and Jean Avenue and Woodbine
- Winnemucca and Highway 50
- Pioneer Trail and Blackbart at the meadow

Recreation Center staff are currently working with the Red Cross to have emergency shelter established for residents displaced during the storm. The Recreation Swim Complex is located at 1180 Rufus Allen Blvd.

The City will be posting updates throughout the storm at:

Website - www.cityofslt.us
Facebook - www.facebook.com/OfficialCityofSouthLakeTahoe
Twitter - www.twitter.com/cityofslt
Instagram - www.instagram.com/cityofsouthlaketahoe

South Tahoe Now will be keeping track of the storm and updating reading on any further emergency precautions residents and visitors will need to take.