Wind advisory for the Carquinez Strait area and the Delta and Northern San Joaquin Valley until Thursday night – The Mercury News

The Carquinez Strait and the Delta and Northern San Joaquin Valley are under a wind advisory issued by the National Weather Service on Thursday at 3:24 am.

“South winds from 10 to 20 mph with gusts of 35 to 45 mph expected,” said NWS Sacramento CA. “Higher winds will follow continued rain during the morning hours. A few gusts up to 50 mph will not be ruled out.”

“Storm-force winds will blow over unprotected properties. Tree limbs could be blown over and there could be a few power outages,” according to the NWS. “Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially in high-end vehicles. Be careful.”

Understanding high wind warnings

When it comes to high wind warnings, staying informed is important. The NWS divides high wind warnings into three levels, each indicating a different level of danger:

High wind warning: Take action!

Strong winds are possible, with even stronger gusts. Seek shelter. When driving, keep both hands on the wheel and slow down.

Spiritual advice: Take action!

Strong winds do occur but are not strong enough to require a high wind warning. Outside objects must be protected and care must be taken when driving.

High wind watch: Be prepared!

Endless strong winds are possible. Secure loose foreign objects and adjust systems as needed to avoid being caught outside.

How do you prepare yourself before a strong wind comes

• Trim tree branches away from your house and power lines.
• Protect gutters and open shutters.
• Identify an interior room in your home, such as a basement or an interior bathroom, that you can shelter in during high wind warnings.
• If you live in a mobile home, identify a sturdy structure to go to if the NWS issues a severe thunderstorm warning.
• Charge batteries for all the essentials like cell phones and booster packs, weather radios and power tools like a reciprocating saw, which you might need to clear out the trash.
• Review your emergency kit and make sure you include enough food and water to last 3 days for each person in your household.
• Make a list of things outside your home that you will need to tie or put down so they don’t blow or fly out the window. If the NWS issues a high wind watch, secure these items immediately to avoid injury or damage if winds begin to pick up.

How to do it during strong winds

Find shelter:

• Immediately get inside a strong building during a high wind warning or severe thunderstorm warning and move to an indoor or basement room.
• If you are in a mobile home, move to a sturdy building before the wind picks up or a storm hits your property.

If you are caught outside or driving:

• Take shelter in your car if you are not near a solid structure. If possible, drive to the nearest stable building. If not, move your vehicle to an area where it is less likely to be hit by falling trees or power lines.
• If there is no shelter avoid trees, power lines, and the side of the road. Remember that downed power lines may be live. Do not approach them! Try to find a location that will block blowing or falling debris.
• If you are driving and you are not near a solid building, hold the steering wheel with both hands and slow down.
• Stay away from moving vehicles such as trucks, buses and tow trucks. One strong gust of wind can be enough to flip one of these trailers on its side.

What to do after strong winds subside

• Do not go near downed power lines. Report downed power lines to the police.
• Be careful when handling explosives in your yard.

For more weather advisories in the Bay Area, visit Weather Advisories