Full Notification

As predicted, the atmospheric river that was forecast is upon us.  This storm is anticipated to be of similar or greater intensity to the storm on New Year’s Eve, with the addition of high sustained wind speeds, and is expected to be followed by two additional atmospheric rivers over the next few days.
 
Crews have been clearing Town-maintained creeks and drain inlets, but with the strength of the upcoming storms, residents should prepare for the potential of further flooding. The three main areas of concern are that the rain coupled with the increased winds are expected to generate flooding, downed trees, and loss of power.  Residents need to avoid any travel during the atmospheric river events.
 
Moraga maintenance staff and contractors have worked since Saturday to ensure Town-managed ditches, drains, and culverts were cleared in multiple locations. Residents are encouraged to help in this effort.  If there are small patches of leaves or debris blocking the storm drain along your street, clear the debris to allow storm water to flow through unobstructed into the storm water system.
  
Additionally, the Town of Moraga has proclaimed a local emergency due to severe storms expected this week, following flooding and mudslides after the unprecedented storm on December 31. Acting in the capacity of Director of Emergency Services, Interim Town Manager Brian Dolan signed the proclamation on January 4, which will expire on January 11, unless extended by the Town Council at their meeting that evening. The local emergency proclamation allows the town greater flexibility to contract for and procure supplies for more expedient disaster response and will facilitate opportunities to secure emergency funding should any potential damage from the storm merit that level of response.
 
SANDBAG STATIONS: The Town has a self-fill sandbag station for Moraga residents’ use. We are continuing to replenish the station as sand and sandbags are available.  We ask that everyone please limit themselves to 20 bags per household. Once bags have been exhausted, there is no guarantee of a future supply. The sandbag station is located at Rancho Laguna Park: 2101 Camino Pablo, Moraga.  For additional sandbag station locations at various agency within the Contra Costa County, please visit the County’s Sandbag Station website for a listing.
 
STANDING WATER AND FLOODING: Where necessary, barricades may be used to close roads.  Please comply with road closures as they are for your safety.  Not only is there a risk of your vehicle stalling out and becoming stuck in the water, but those who drive around the barricades also push water up onto flooded yards and into the homes along the street and increase their risk of becoming stranded. Stranded drivers put an increased strain on first responders and divert them away from other incidents requiring life safety measures.  Please be mindful and stay out of flood zones. 
 
DRIVING TIP: If you hit standing water and begin to hydroplane, immediately take your foot off the gas pedal and let your vehicle slow until you regain control. When driving in heavy storm conditions, give yourself plenty of extra time to get to your destination and maintain a safe distance between yourself and the vehicle in front of you. If your windshield wipers are on, your headlights MUST be on as well.  Your best bet is to avoid driving all together during the upcoming storm.  
 
DOWNED POWER LINES: Please stay at least 30 feet away from downed power lines and do not attempt to drive over them. Always assume they are energized and dangerous. Report downed lines to 9-1-1. 
 
FALLING TREES: Be wary of trees falling. Because of the extreme saturation of the ground, root structures will be weakened, and trees could come down in a strong wind. When out walking or driving, be aware of your surroundings and watch for trees that are leaning. Similarly, be cautious when walking under trees, as high winds can also bring limbs down. 
 
POWER OUTAGES: With heavy rain and strong winds in the forecast, it is possible that Moraga could experience prolonged power outages. Residents are encouraged to make sure electronic devices are fully charged in the event of an outage. Outage information will be available for viewing on PG&E's outage map at www.pge.com/outage. When there is a power outage, signalized intersections will not work, and must be treated as stop signs.   
 
REPORTING WEATHER RELATED ISSUES:

• Emergency: Please report any urgent safety-related concerns to the Moraga Police Department at 925-284-5010. For life-threatening emergencies, please call 9-1-1. 
• To report clogged storm drains, downed trees, or flooding, please use Mobile Moraga. The app allows residents to file reports of issues on the go.  The free app can be downloaded for iOS or Android, or can be accessed here. Residents will have quicker responses when reporting with the app versus calling the Town. 

 
Stay indoors during the storm, avoid driving in flooded areas, and make sure you have the following contact information at hand.
Contacts for other Non-Emergency Situations:

• Moraga Police: 925-284-5010 (Dispatch 24/7) | 925-888-7055 (business hours)
• Contra Costa County Sheriff: 925-646-2441
• Moraga-Orinda Fire District: 925-258-4599
• Moraga Public Works: 925-888-7026

  
Other Resources:

• Contra Costa Animal Services: 925-335-8300
• East Bay Municipal Utilities District: 866-403-2683
• PG&E: 800-743-5000
• Flood Tips from FEMA: www.ready.gov/floods
• Please continue to monitor ongoing weather events through the National Weather Service Bay Area page: www.weather.gov/mtr 

 
STAY INFORMED: Moraga Police will release public safety information via the Nixle alert system. To sign up for Nixle, download the Everbridge app and select the agencies from which you want to receive notifications.  Also, sign up for the Community Warning System at www.cwsalerts.com.  The Town will post any applicable and up-to-date information on the Town’s website throughout the storms.