California kick-start emergency preparations before storm, classes cancelled for the first time since 9/11

Northern California residents have kick-start the emergency preparations before a powerful storm expected to pack hurricane force winds and heavy rain on Wednesday.

"People have started gathering sand bags, crews clearing storm drains and San Francisco school officials canceling classes for the first time since 9/11", Yahoo News reported.

Public schools in San Francisco and Oakland and some private schools in the Bay Area planned to stay closed Thursday.

The National Weather Service has predicted as much as 8 inches of rainfall on coastal mountains over a 24-hour period starting late Wednesday.

This storm is "expected to be one of the strongest storms in terms of wind and rain intensity" since storms in October 2009 and January 2008, The Weather Channel has reported quoting the National Weather Service in Monterey, California.

Wind gusts of up to 70 mph are expected on mountain tops with possible blizzard conditions in the Sierra. Similarly, rain, pounding surf and gusty winds are forecast for Southern California starting Thursday evening.

West Coast Radar: Radar along with any flash flood warnings (green polygons) or severe thunderstorm warnings (yellow polygons) - Via The Weather Channel.

Before the Storm (As mentioned in Governor's Office of Emergency Services - State of California website)

• Keep copies of insurance policies, documents and other valuables in a safe-deposit box.
• Check your homeowners or renters insurance for flood insurance coverage--if none exists, purchase.
• Store supplies at work, home and car in handy locations:
• First aid kit and essential medicines.
• Food (packaged, dried, canned, or food for special diets.)
• Non-electric can opener.
• Keep some cash on hand. ATM machines may not be working.
• Portable radio, flashlights and extra batteries (stored in water-tight plastic bag.)
• Store drinking water in closed, clean containers in case water service is interrupted. Allow one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days.
• Keep your car fueled. If electric power is cut off, filling stations may not be able to operate.
• Know safe routes from your home or office to high, safe ground.
• Keep sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, lumber and other emergency building materials handy for waterproofing.

Original post: Natural Disasters List December 10, 2014