Good morning everybody, here is an update on the wet, windy storm battering northeastern California at the moment.
Lassen County Office of Emergency Services, along with the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office, Susanville City Fire Department and the Susanville Police Department have placed Lassen County under a local State of Emergency because of the heavy rain and winds expected to continue until Sunday afternoon.
According to Dave Junette, Lassen County’s Emergency Services Chief, the heavy rains, along with the high winds, will increase the likelihood of trees blowing down on to power line causing widespread power outages.
Residents should be prepared to move out of low lying areas and be prepared for power outages.
The OES recommends that residents should have the following items available in the event of an emergency:
- Three days of food and water for each family member
- Medications for at least seven days
- First aid kit
- Flashlights with extra batteries
- Battery operated radio
- Have at least ¾ of a tank of fuel in your vehicle
Weather and hydrologic outlook
The Flood Warning continues for the Susan River at Susanville from this morning to mid-day Monday.
At 3:00 am this morning the stage was at 6.3 feet, flood stage is 12.0 feet and minor flooding is forecast for today.
According to the National Weather Service the river will rise above flood stage by late this morning and continue to rise to near 12.6 feet.
The river should fall back below flood stage this afternoon.
Predicted impacts, if the water level reaches 12.5 feet, include minor to moderate flooding in Susanville from Lassen street downstream along Riverside Drive. Several homes along the river will be affected… especially on Carroll street.
Minor to moderate lowland flooding is expected below Susanville in Johnstonville, Leavitt Lake, Standish and Litchfield areas. Rural roads and bridges are likely to experience some flooding as well.
The NWS warns you to not drive your vehicle into areas where the water covers the roadway. The water depth may be too great to allow your car to cross safely. Move to higher ground.
Winds
A High Wind Warning remains in effect until 10 am this morning. Strong winds will decrease by late morning as rainfall increases.
Winds will be out of the south at 25 to 40 mph with gusts to 70 mph. Gusts to 90 mph are expected in wind prone areas along Highway 395 from Doyle to Susanville and near canyons in the Surprise Valley.
Motorists in high profile vehicles along highways 395 and 447 will encounter dangerous driving conditions due to strong winds.
Damage to trees, power lines and property is possible with winds of this magnitude. Driving will become hazardous for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution and remain alert for sudden gusts or cross winds.
Power Concerns
Theresa Phillips, Energy Services Manager at Lassen Municipal Utility District is reminding the utility’s customers that they should be prepared for weather related outages.
If you do experience an outage please contact the power company at 257.4174. LMUD crews are on stand-by and the phones are always manned.
Here are links for more information:
On the home page at SusanvilleStuff we have up to the minute levels from the Susan River, plus satellite views and live traffic cameras from around the northstate.
For more in-depth weather coverage you can visit our sister site www.lassenweathernetwork.com
For additional emergency preparedness information go to www.calema.ca.gov or www.ready.gov.
For the latest weather updates visit www.weather.gov
