Nevada City, CA – An active weather pattern is expected to return this weekend into next week with multiple waves of rain, coupled with winds on Dec. 24, Christmas Eve, which could impact travel plans and holiday festivities. Nevada County Office of Emergency Services (OES) reminds residents to make winter preparedness part of their holiday routine.
“This time of year, it is not unusual for Nevada County to experience heavy rain, high wind, or major snowfall that results in flooding, power outages, down trees, and road impacts,” says OES Senior Analyst Alex Keeble-Toll. “Make sure that your propane tank is full, your flashlights have batteries and you give yourself extra time if you plan to travel.”
Be Prepared for Rain and Wind
With inclement weather forecast for the holidays, Nevada County Road crews are standing by to address down trees blocking County-maintained roadways. If you live on a private roadway, make a list of contractors or connect with neighbors who could clear the roadway in the event of tree fall or snowfall.
Help keep roadways safe by reporting downed trees, issues on county-maintained roadways, or wastewater issues at public.works@nevadacountyca.gov or by calling 530-265-1411.
Report downed power lines by calling 9-1-1 and to PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 or to Truckee Public Utility District at 530-587-3896. Never touch or walk in the immediate area of a downed powerline; assume it is energized and extremely dangerous.
Nevada County Sanitation District customers can report emergent issues 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 530-265-1555.
Get No-Cost Sand
Self-serve sand is available to Nevada County residents at no cost. Bring your own shovel and sandbags to one of the four locations in western Nevada County:
- Next to the Nevada County Warehouse located at: the corner of Highway 49 and East Broad Street, Nevada City, CA 95959
- Penn Valley Fire Protection District located at: 10513 Spenceville Road, Penn Valley, CA 95946
- North San Juan Community Hall located at: 10057 Reservoir Street, North San Juan, CA 95960
- Higgins Fire Department located at: 10106 Combie Road, Auburn, CA 95602
Sandbags are available for purchase online or at various local businesses or hardware stores, but plan ahead for holiday closures or reduced hours.
More information is available at www.ReadyNevadaCounty.org/Sand.
Ready, Set, Snow!
There is always the potential for snow in Nevada County this time of year. Be ready with a full propane tank and plan to use fuel sparingly. Heavy storm conditions will delay fuel deliveries.
Line up snowplowing services in advance to ensure private driveways and roads remain accessible. For extensive, urgent storm damage cleanup, consider organizing with neighbors for coordinated tree debris removal.
Keep the following vendor contacts on hand for:
- Propane Service
- Emergency Tree Service
- Snow Plow
- Telecommunications
- Firewood
- Insurance
More information and tips at www.ReadyNevadaCounty.org/WinterPreparedness.
About the Nevada County Office of Emergency Services (OES)
OES works under the Emergency Preparedness Board Objective, leading the community in all hazards planning, preparedness, response, and recovery with a focus on wildfire. OES focuses on improving county-wide evacuation routes and safety, continuing to strengthen early alert and critical communication systems, and working with residents and community partners in emergency preparedness, defensible space, home hardening, green waste disposal, and fire- safe land stewardship. Learn more about OES at www.ReadyNevadaCounty.org.