Wind-packed storm is heading for Fresno. What to know about power outages, driving, more

Fresno’s municipal agencies are reminding residents, particularly drivers, to exercise caution during the coming “bomb cyclone” storm that’s expected to bring rain, high winds, flooding and snow in the mountains.

City and county crews already are repairing potholes and clearing debris in roadways from the last storm system. Another storm is expected to arrive in the area late Wednesday.

The National Weather Service in Hanford on Wednesday issued a high wind advisory for the storm, which could cause power outages.

Public agencies are encouraging residents to stay home if at all possible, and plan ahead for road conditions and potential power outages.

Dangers of driving in stormy weather

Fresno County areas damaged by the 2020 Creek Fire are at a particularly high risk for a weather-made disaster such as mudslides and flooding in burn scarred areas. Fresno County created interactive maps for the mountain communities of eastern Fresno County so they can monitor their risk.

Fresno public works crews spent Wednesday doing the usual work of filling potholes and clearing debris around the city from the last storm, said Scott Mozier, the city’s public works director.

Clearing downed trees or broken branches to ensure roadways and other facilities are safe remains a priority, Mozier said.

City crews also were busy Wednesday ensuring municipal pumps are working correctly. Mozier said he doesn’t expect the city’s drainage system and gutters to get too clogged with leaves and other debris since street sweeping crews cleared most of the fallen leaves.

The storm system on Wednesday is expected to bring with it high winds and potential power outages. If street lights aren’t working at major intersections, Mozier said, it’s important for motorists to remain cautious and treat intersections like a four-way stop.

Fresno County’s Emergency Manager Terri Mejorado recommended avoiding driving in the snow and rain in the mountains, if possible. She also recommended avoiding driving after dark since visibility will be worse.

If roads are flooded, drivers shouldn’t drive through standing water, she said, because the water may be covering a pothole or other danger.

“We just encourage everybody to stay away from any type of standing or flowing water because it doesn’t take that many inches of water flowing to become very hazardous,” she said. “

How to prepare for power outages

Residents should prepare for potential power outages caused by high winds, officials said.

That means stocking up on water and food at home that can be cooked without electricity, Mejorado said. She also recommended stocking up on flashlights and batteries and using a consistent size of battery for a number of devices just in case some are needed for backup.

Residents also should trim loose branches and tie down items on their properties that might fly away. Officials said travel trailers are particularly susceptible to wind and may need additional security measures.

Mejorado suggested checking on family, friends and neighbors who are home bound to ensure they will be OK without power.

PG&E suggests charging cellphones and laptops and creating alternative plans for medical devices that may require electricity. PG&E cautioned residents to never touch downed power lines.

“This is a great time to get those blankets and watch movies with the kids and pull out those board games and have those family times,” Mejorado said.

Where to find help

City residents can report storm damage using the FresnoGo mobile app and get information by calling 311.

Fresno County staff created an emergency web page with information that includes weather information, the sheriff’s office storm risk map, sand bag information, PG&E resources, Caltrans resources and tip sheets for disaster preparedness and storm readiness.

PG&E also tracks power outages online.