Bay Area residents brace for strong storm
NOVATO, Calif. (KGO) -- The wind is already kicking-up in the North Bay and residents are getting ready for a major storm by cutting tree limbs and branches in danger of falling.
TRACK THE RAIN: Street level interactive map
The approaching storm could bring heavy winds, strong enough to topple trees.
Anything and everything you need for wet windy weather is in stock at Goodman Hardware. Then again, boots and tarps haven't exactly been hot sellers, thanks to the drought. "This year hasn't been good because we haven't had the rain. If we have a good storm, we'll have people in first thing in the morning," Goodman Hardware employee Marilyn Smalley said.
VIDEO: Wells in North Bay drying up, tainted due to drought
Tree crews in San Anselmo are trying to stay ahead of the storm. They just leveled what used to be a 50-foot poplar. The tree was dead, unstable and a big worry to homeowner Jenn Pennrod. "So yeah, this was one that we were concerned, is the ivy holding it up, is it just going to come catapulting down at some point," she said.
Marin arborist Aaron Corbiere is watching the weather and moving fast by removing as many dead or diseased trees as he can. "Definitely could be an issue with the wind, we'll have to wait and see. A lot of trees have leafed out earlier than normal this year, so a little heavier more likely to catch the wind," he said.
A pine tree was coming down in Monterey. It's a liability because it's too close to an upscale home. The tree was killed by the record drought and others could fall. "If it's a really heavy storm, or high winds, you know a lot of trees could be falling down by tomorrow morning," Johnny Ceja said.
The last time the Bay Area had significant rain was back on February 6 when a weather phenomenon known as an atmospheric river moved through, toppling dozens of trees.
PHOTOS: Storm moves into Bay Area
This week's system may not pack as big of a punch, but homeowners are being cautious and not taking chances with trees taking a fall.
We want to remind you that it's easy to track the storm on Live Doppler 7 HD anytime! Click here to download the ABC7 Weather App for free on Apple's App Store or Google Play.
