National Weather Service Issues a High Wind Warning
in San Bernardino for January 25 & 26
The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning for San Bernardino from 7:00 pm on Wednesday, January 25 until 10:00 pm on Thursday, January 26.
High wind gusts could result in downed trees and downed large branches/limbs. In addition, unplanned power outages are possible and could result in numerous red lights flashing at signalized intersections. Depending on the severity of gusts, we can also expect some debris on roadways and potential damage to signs and traffic signal housing backplates (to include overturned overhead traffic signals).
Palm fronds on roadways, gutters, and sidewalks are usually the most common feature of any strong wind event.
At this time, Southern California Edison has not warned of any possible planned power outages.
If you see any downed power lines, do not approach them! Immediately call 911 or Southern California Edison. Contacting city staff will only delay response times. City Staff will not approach any downed lines and may only block the affected roadways from a safe distance as requested.
To report fallen trees, malfunctioning streetlights or other non-emergency issues related to the windstorm, please call the San Bernardino call center during normal business hours (Monday-Thursday from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm and Fridays from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm) at (909) 384-7272. After hours, call the San Bernardino Police non-emergency line at (909) 384-5742.
City Response:
City crews and contractors have been busy cleaning up debris and palm fronds throughout the city from the previous wind event and will continue to do so for any new issues that surface.
The Urban Forestry Section of the City Public Works Department has been placed on standby starting tonight at 7pm until Thursday evening. This includes the City Arborist, Senior Arborist, and two Groundworker Arborist Arborists. Additional staff and supervisors from Operations and Maintenance, as well as Traffic, have been placed on standby to respond to any issues.
The City's tree services contractor (West Coast Arborists) has been notified and stands ready to assist with any complex emergency issues beyond our equipment abilities. Our traffic signals/electrical contractors are also ready to assist as required per our service agreements. Roadside clean-up contractor will also be available post-event.
All required equipment is on standby to including 2 mini-loaders, chipper, chipper truck, loader, chainsaws, and crew vehicles.
Post Event Clean Up:
During the event, safety hazards will be a priority.
Priority for post-event clean-up is as follows: 1) Hazards on streets, sidewalks, rights of way, with trees and large branches receiving urgent priority followed by 2) general clean up on arterial roads, 3) secondary roads, 4) neighborhood streets, and 5) parks.
During regular hours, O&M staff (over 40 employees) will be assigned clean up responsibilities throughout the City via based upon the priorities listed above.