City Of Berkeley Reminds Residents To Be Ready Amid Winter Storms

Berkeley, CA — The city of Berkeley is reminding residents to prepare their homes for storms and to report problems such as downed powerlines, clogged drains and fallen trees.

"With more strong winds and rain expected overnight through Tuesday January 10, help keep Berkeley safe by doing your part to reduce flooding in your neighborhood and by reporting downed power lines, clogged drains, fallen trees, and other storm-related issues," the city said in a news release published on its website.

Residents should call 911 for downed power lines and then report the power lines to PG&E by calling 1-800-743-5002.

"Do not touch or drive over a downed power line," the city said.

Call 311 to report clogged drains or fallen trees, after hours call 510-981-6620, for clogged storm drains, flooding, lights or traffic signals and 510-981-6660, to report downed trees, the city said.

"We expect high call volumes," the city said. "If you have issues unrelated to the storm, try to keep phone lines free by reporting issues via email or on our Report & Pay Tool."

According to the National Weather Service, for the evening of Jan. 9 through the early hours of Jan. 10, the city, which remains under a flood watch, could see up to a half inch of rain, along with wind gusts as high as 48mph.

"The combination of wind with drenched soil increases the risk of downed trees, which could lead to power outages as well," the city said as it warned residents to "stay alert, use extra caution on roads, and report issues.

The city still has a limited number of sandbags available for residents and businesses on a first-come first-served basis. Sandbags are being distributed at the City Corporation Yard at 1326 Allston Way from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Residents and businesses should bring identification or a business card to prove residency within city limits.