Free sandbags are available for residents ahead of wet storm

There is a very warm, wet storm heading to Lake Tahoe, the Sierra and western Nevada, bringing with is gusty winds and significant rains beginning Friday and continuing through Saturday. There is a flood watch in effect from Friday, April 6, 05:00 p.m. until Sunday, April 8 at 5:00 a.m. The main concern is the potential for flooding along creeks, streams, rivers and in urban areas.

Snow levels may rise as high as 11000 feet, keeping the bulk of the precipitation in the form of rain. Rainfall totals between 2 to 4 inches are expected along the
Sierra crest, with 1.5 to 2.5 inches in the Tahoe Basin, and 1 to 1.5 inches in the Sierra foothills and some valleys along the Sierra Front. Up to an inch of rain is possible in western Nevada valleys. Plan on impacts such as rises on rivers, creeks, and streams, and ponding of water in fields and poorly drained urban areas. If you are driving around the region, reduce speed to prevent hydroplaning on water covered roads. Areas that experienced enhanced runoff or flooding during the last storm a couple of weeks ago should plan on similar or greater impacts due to the heavy rain and the expected contribution of the melting

Winds with this storm will have significant impacts for high profile vehicles,
boaters, and aviation due to strong winds and turbulence Friday night and Saturday. Wind gusts of 40 to 60 mph are possible. Gusts over Sierra ridges will likely exceed 90 mph.

People can prepare for heavy rainfall by clearing drainages, ditches, and gutters of debris and snow the next few days. This will help to mitigate some of the flooding and runoff potential. Prepare for strong winds by securing outdoor furniture, temporary construction structures, and canopies.

There are several areas around Lake Tahoe where free sand bags can be filled and picked up.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue has sandbags available at Fire Station 3 near the Y. Public Works will have sand and bags at their yard on Rufus Allen Blvd.

North Tahoe Fire has sand and sandbags available at their Kings Beach (288 Highway 267) and Homewood (5425 Highway 89) fire stations if needed.

In El Dorado County, sand and sand bags are available at Lake Valley Fire Department in Meyers and at various fire departments on the West Slope.