Full Notification

Attention, Petaluma! Several atmospheric river events will bring heavy rains and strong winds to the entire North Bay region through the end of this week. Because our ground is already saturated from last week’s rain: 

• The storm may cause flash flooding and downed trees.  

• Power outages are likely through early Friday morning. 

• Rapid ponding of water in urban and poor drainage areas is possible.  

Public works, fire and police personnel are preparing to respond to road closures, blocked storm drains and storm related debris falling on the streets and sidewalks if needed.  

Below are some tips to help prepare for this week’s storm. 

AT HOME:

We urge all Petaluma residents to ensure the safety of yourselves and our community by: 

• Clear Gutters and Storm Drains - Keep drainage areas and pipes around your property clear of debris that could cause flooding. 

• Check on Your Neighbors, Friends, and Family - Especially those who may be vulnerable in case of emergency.  

• Get Supplies - Make sure you have drinking water, flashlights, and other essentials on hand before the rain begins Wednesday morning. 

• Turn Off Power and Gas - If your property is in imminent danger of flooding, please call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 to request that your power and natural gas be shut off, or for guidance on how to do it yourself. 

• Use Sandbags - Sandbags can help protect areas where water could enter your living space. Get free sandbag supplies from the City of Petaluma at the following locations before and during heavy rain events: 

• Far north end of Hopper Street, 24/7

• Prince Park - Sandbags will be available at the entrance to Prince Park located to the right in the empty parking lot. Please note that there will be no signage in the area until tomorrow, but the station is open 24/7 regardless of signage.

• Move Valuables - Move furniture, important paperwork, and valuables to higher areas of your dwelling to minimize damage. 

ON THE ROAD:

• Avoid unnecessary travel

• Downed Trees and Power Lines - This storm may bring down trees/branches along with power lines.  Stay clear of and do not approach downed power lines.  Use 911 to report downed power lines.  

• Use Caution - Motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists should use caution when traveling on the roadways.   Most flooding deaths during a storm occur in a vehicle.  DO NOT attempt to drive through flooded areas to avoid serious injury or death and don’t become part of the problem for first responders if you become stranded.

  • If street lights are out, please treat the intersection as a 4-way stop.

• Take it Slow - The police department is advising all drivers that speed limits are set for normal driving conditions and should be reduced during inclement weather. Drive slowly if you see public safety personnel performing traffic control or clearing storm debris.  

• Don't Tailgate - Leaving space between yourself and the car in front of you is always a good idea during a storm.  

• Pay Attention to Signs - Drivers should not pass road closure or flooding signs. Water is often much deeper than it appears, and you could quickly find yourself in an emergency situation. 

•  Wipers On, Lights On - Reminder when using windshield wipers, drivers are required to have their headlights on per the California Vehicle Code.

STAY INFORMED: 

• Sign Up Emergency Alerts - For the most up-to-date emergency information from the City of Petaluma, sign up for Emergency Alerts.

  • Visit: 

    • City of Petaluma - cityofpetaluma.org/sign-up-for-emergency-alerts

    • Sonoma County - https://socoemergency.org/get-ready/sign-up/socoalert/

    • Subscribe to receive Nixle alerts by texting your zip code to 888777

• Follow Us on Social Media

  • Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cityofpetaluma/

  • Spanish Language Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ciudaddepetaluma/

  • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecityofpetaluma/

  • Spanish Language Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ciudaddepetaluma/

  • Nextdoor - https://nextdoor.com/pages/city-of-petaluma

  • Twitter - https://twitter.com/PetalumaCityGov

  • WhatsApp - 707-285-7267

    • Visit: bit.ly/CityPetalumaWhatsApp

    • Choose Continue to Chat

    • Send us a ‘Hello’ to connect with us.

• Tune-In to Local Commercial Radio Stations - Tune in to KZST 100.1, KSRO AM 1350, KCBS AM 740, KBBF 89.1 (Spanish), local television stations or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio (frequencies 146.460 or 146.535) for Watch and Warning Bulletins and any corresponding emergency instructions.

REPORT PROBLEMS AND HAZARDS

• Report roadway flooding, dangerous road conditions, obstructions, or fallen power lines to the Petaluma Police - 707-762-2727

• Report blocked storm drains, culverts, or other non-hazardous flooding to Public Works & Utilities - 707-778-4546

• To turn off gas or electricity call PG&E - 1-800-743-5000

• PG&E - Call PG&E to get information about or to turn off your gas or electricity: 1-800-743-5000 

Visit the city website at cityofpetaluma.org for more emergency information.

Media Inquires can be directed to Jamieson Bunn ([email protected]) at (707) 778-4459 office or (707) 338-3865 mobile.