City of South Lake Tahoe urges residents to prepare for potential flooding impacts from rain on snow event
Submitted by paula on Fri, 01/06/2023 - 4:59pm
Behind the Station
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The National Weather Service has forecast more snow and rain over the next week, including a strong atmospheric river beginning on Monday, January 9. With this, comes the potential of heavy rainfall across the region and the threat of flooding. The flooding threat is heightened due to existing snow and ice on the ground and streams and river basins that are already elevated after numerous storms. If the Monday storm turns warm and brings the forecasted 2-2.5” or more of rain that also melts snow, we could experience similar flooding to 2017 and prior years.
We urge residents to take the threat of flooding seriously and prepare now. Sandbags are available at the following locations:
Fire Station 3
Behind the Station
Shovels and bags are provided though shovels are limited, so you are encouraged to bring your own.
Search & Rescue Building
1834 Santa Fe Rd.
Please bring your own shovel.
To learn if your home or business is in a flood plain or historic localized flooding area, visit https://arcg.is/0ifSPu0.
The following flood preparedness tips are provided by www.ready.gov/floods#prepare. Visit this site for more information.
Know Your Risk for Floods
Visit FEMA's Flood Map Service Center to know types of flood risk in your area. . The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
Preparing for a Flood
Make a plan for your household, including your pets, so that you and your family know what to do, where to go, and what you will need to protect yourselves from flooding. Learn and practice evacuation routes, shelter plans, and flash flood response. Gather supplies, including non-perishable foods, cleaning supplies, and water for several days, in case you must leave immediately or if services are cut off in your area.
In Case of Emergency
Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Create password-protected digital copies. Protect your property. Move valuables to higher levels. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves. Consider a sump pump with a battery.
In coordination with El Dorado County, the Lake Tahoe Unified School District, and the Red Cross, the City is prepared to activate shelter operations in the event of widespread flooding.
Sign up for the City of South Lake Tahoe’s emergency warning system by texting your zip code to 38276 or visit https://www.cityofslt.us/1017/Sign-Up-for-Notifications.