Are you ready for the next Lake Tahoe snowstorm?

Long time South Lake Tahoe locals have been heard in town saying, "This is just like winter used to be." Without many serious snowstorms in the past several years, forecasts of 2-3' feet are catching many by surprise as they find themselves unprepared.

The City of South Lake Tahoe is reaching out to residents with advice to stay safe, how to be prepared, how to handle berms, and updates on the City's preparations.

Friday-Saturday, January 20-21

The National Weather Service advises of a storm to impact South Lake Tahoe on Friday-Saturday and are predicting 8-12” of snow and will impact travel to the Sierras.

City snow removal crews are out in force removing snow throughout the City today and will continue through tonight. Beginning in the morning of Friday, January 20th, snow removal crews will begin removing one (1) additional side of the roadway in the most impacted and narrowed roads in City neighborhoods. This effort will continue through Saturday.

The City of South Lake Tahoe has 259 lane miles of roadways. Snow removal crews will continue their 12 hour rotational shifts; thus providing snow removal efforts 24/7.

Sunday-Monday, January 22-23
Another storm system is due Sunday-Monday and is trending toward a big snow scenario. The National Weather Service is predicting 18”-24” of Snow in South Lake Tahoe. Significant road travel disruptions are anticipated during this storm system. Power outages, avalanche warnings and fallen trees are anticipated. The National Weather Service warns of impacts to roof and carport collapses in the Sierras due to snow depth and weight.

In order to prepare for Winter storms, they encourage 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.
· 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. Log onto SouthTahoeNow.com, turn on the television, listen to radio stations and follow social media for up-to-the minute 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).