STOCKTON, Calif. — As storm clouds gather over midtown Stockton, residents are making final preparations to weather the anticipated weather, taking precautions to prevent potential damage.
Adam Adams, a midtown resident, was spotted cleaning up leaves and readying his home for the impending rain. "It’s neighborhood taking care of neighborhood," said Adams, emphasizing the community spirit prevailing in the face of the approaching storm.
Adams, having dealt with the aftermath of leaves on his roof the previous day, expressed the challenges posed by large oak trees in the area. "I love trees, but when you have big oak trees around here, summer time they’re good, but fall time they drop leaves."
Near the Miracle Mile, another resident named Joe took measures to ensure safety in his neighborhood. "We’ve got a lot of weird trees here that drop a lot of stuff," said Joe. Concerned about potential accidents caused by slippery roads, he and his neighbors worked to clear the streets of hazards.
Residents weren't the only ones taking action; the San Joaquin County Office of Emergency Services is also gearing up. Ivan Gutierrez, a spokesman for the office, emphasized the importance of proactive measures. "We’re taking all proactive measures, sharing information on social media, on our website, keeping a constant monitoring of it," he stated.
Despite these efforts, the storm led to the cancellation of the Stockton Lantern Festival at Banner Island Ballpark downtown. Officials made the decision to close the gates for Friday night in anticipation of adverse weather conditions.
While this storm is not expected to bring widespread flooding like last year, officials are urging residents to take preventive steps. Gutierrez advised, "To reduce water damage, make sure your gutters and downspouts are intact and clear of leaves. Inspect your roof, certainly. With the rain comes possibly even stronger winds, so they can blow off shingles."
He further emphasized the importance of trimming dead branches on trees and addressing potential leaks in windows and doors before the storm hits. As Stockton readies for the weather, the community remains vigilant, demonstrating resilience in the face of nature's uncertainties.
