Expected Winter Rainstorm, Plunging Temps Sweep Into Pasadena, as Officials Urge Caution

A much-anticipated Thanksgiving holiday winter storm swept over Pasadena last night bringing plunging temperatures and rain predicted to continue through Thursday night.

There were no major traffic collisions caused by rain overnight, according to Pasadena Fire Dept. call records.

But with slick streets and out-of-town drivers in Pasadena for Thanksgiving, motorists are urged to be extra vigilant during the storm.

“This week a lot of people are traveling and we have a lot of visitors in town not familiar with our streets, so we urge everyone to take it slow and allow plenty of time to get to holiday festivities and routine travel,” City of Pasadena spokesperson Lisa Derderian said.

Thanksgiving Day could see thunderstorms, according to the National Weather Service.

“There is a possibility of power outages during extreme weather so please make sure you have flashlights throughout your house and vehicle,” reminded Derderian.

She said holiday decorations are already lining many homes so residents should make sure they are secure and there are no gaps to allow water inside that could cause electrical issues.

With excessive rain and potential thunderstorms stay indoors and away from windows, she said.

“Fortunately, we don’t have any recent burn areas that can turn into mud and debris flow but with a large influx of rain in a short time frame we are vulnerable to flooded conditions.”

“If outdoors, shelter away from drains, gutters, creeks and waterways,” Derderian said. “Floodwater is dangerous – never drive, walk or ride through floodwater and Floodwater is toxic – never play or swim in floodwater.”

The Pasadena Fire Department, www.cityofpasadena.net/Fire, offers free sand and sandbags at two fire stations, Station 37, 3430 E. Foothill Blvd., and Station 38, 1150 Linda Vista Ave. The sand and sandbags are available free to Pasadena residents for non-commercial purposes and are self-service.

Fire personnel will be available to assist with loading if they’re not responding to a call. Limit 10 sandbags per household.
Remember, it is best to have sandbags in place for flood-prone areas of your residential property before you need them. During a serious storm, remember to call 9-1-1 for life-threatening emergencies, including significant flooding.

Derderian reminded residents to visit www.cityofpasadena.net/disaster for emergency preparedness information. If you are not part of Pasadena’s Local Emergency Alert System (PLEAS), sign up for the telephone notification system today by visiting www.cityofpasadena.net/Fire/PLEAS.

Pasadena residents and businesses with any power emergencies should call the Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) Department at (626) 744-4673 and for water-related emergencies call (626) 744-4138. PWP customers are also encouraged to sign up for specific emergency utility alerts by visiting www.cityofpasadena.net/waterandpower/oms/.

National Weather Service information for the Los Angeles area is online at www.weather.gov/losangeles.

The public is also reminded to:

• Clear debris and overgrowth from drainage channels and rain gutters before it rains
• Keep cars charged or with full gas tanks; power outages might shut down gas pumps or charging stations
• Stay away from storm drain channels and do not attempt to cross flooded roads
• Never touch any downed utility lines; call 9-1-1 to report
• Keep your disaster kit updated with flashlight and extra batteries; portable battery-operated radio; first aid kit and manual; emergency food and water for your family and pets; non-electric can opener; essential medications; sturdy shoes, socks & gloves; essential paperwork & emergency cash, and comfort items for children
• Make sure your vehicles are in good repair; especially windshield wipers
• Slow down while driving in the rain; allow extra travel time and use caution while braking and turning as grease and oil have built up on roadways with lack of rain, making for slippery conditions in wet weather
• Remember to turn off sprinklers, system controllers and timers as it is prohibited to irrigate landscaping during rainy periods
• Use rain barrels to collect and reuse rain water