Are you ready to get wet?

A few months early, Lodi is getting its first winter storm today. The powerful system is set to pound California with several inches of rainfall and gale force winds.

On Monday, The National Weather Service issued a wind advisory and said winds could reach speeds as high as 45 mph in the Central Valley, with speeds approaching 60 mph in the foothills.

Ken Clark, of the private forecasting service AccuWeather, said Lodi should receive anywhere between 1.5 and 3 inches of rain today. The storm comes from a weather pattern in the Western Pacific that picked up extra energy from Typhoon Melor and moved eastward.

"It's more like a January or February storm," he said.

Clark said most of the rainfall for Lodi will occur between sunrise and roughly 8 p.m. today.

The Sierras could get anywhere between 4 and 8 inches of rain, but Clark warned skiers and snowboarders not to get too excited. The storm is generated from tropical air, so the snow level will be very high and most of the precipitation will be in the form of rainfall.

Officer John Edwards, of the California Highway Patrol, said motorists should exercise common sense on the roadways to ensure their safety and the safety of others.

He said motorists should remember to check their windshield wiper blades and tire pressure, and to budget extra time into their commutes in order to anticipate delays.

Edwards said the most important things motorists can do during severe weather is reduce their speed. "Don't be in a hurry," he said.

The severe storm also has local winegrowers anxious.

Mark Chandler, executive director of the Lodi-Woodbridge Winegrape Commission, said the rain could cause problems for vines that haven't been harvested yet.

Zinfandel grapes are more susceptible to damage than Cabernet Sauvignon, since the Cabernet grapes are hardier. Zinfandel grapes grow in tight clusters and excess moisture can lead to bunch rot, a fungus that can ruin grapes while they are still on the vine. Chandler said only about 10 or 15 percent of grapes remain to be harvested this year. However, he said the problems will persist for growers after the rains subside and the winds die down.

"The concern is that the ground gets too wet to get harvesters in for many days," Chandler said. If harvesters cannot get through to pick crops, he said, then the quality of the grapes will start to degrade.

There is little for growers to do at this point except take a "wait-and-see approach" to the storm. Growers have been preparing in the recent days since receiving the report, and many were picking through the weekend in anticipation of the storm, Chandler said.

The days after the storm will be critical to understanding its impact. He said the following days need to feature cool and breezy weather that will dry the vines and soil.

Weather forecasts show the rain clearing out after today and mild temperatures for the rest of the week.

"Looks like there may be a silver lining," Chandler said.

Contact reporter Jordan Guinn at jordang@lodinews.com.

Getting ready for the storm

For homeowners:
— Make sure you have flashlights and a portable radio with plenty of batteries.
— If you have an automatic sprinkler, turn it off today.
— Check for leaks in your roof.
— If you have a leak in your roof, look for ways to patch it. Tarps or plastic sheets can be used, but make sure they are fastened down.
— Make sure rain gutters are clear.
Source: Kevin Vaum, store manager, Lowe's on South Lower Sacramento Road

For motorists:
— Check tire pressure and windshield wiper blades.
— Reduce your speed and drive defensively.
— Remember that severe winds will make driving more difficult and the first hour of rain after a long dry spell brings oil and other chemicals up to the surface of the road and can worsen driving conditions.
Source: Officer John Edwards, California Highway Patrol

For pet owners:
— Make sure your animals have a microchip.
— Keep pets in a garage if possible.
— If they are outside animals, make sure they have proper shelter like a doghouse, and that it has dry blankets.
— Most dogs should be inside; they shouldn't be outside in elements if you can take them into house or a closed off area.
— Make sure your pets have access to clean drinking water.
— Check your fences after the storm for damaged or loose boards.
Source: PALS

Reader Feedback

El Rushbo wrote on Oct 13, 2009 4:53 PM:

" Too bad Califonia doesn`t have a few more dams to hold all this water!!! It`s almost all gonna just flow out to sea, what a waste! Oh that`s right, we gotta save the fairy shrimp and giant snakes! California has its priorities majorly screwed up! "

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lodi boy wrote on Oct 13, 2009 1:58 PM:

" It's probably because Obama's health plan is passing, and God is angry.

His wrath is being demonstrated. "

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T & C wrote on Oct 13, 2009 8:10 AM:

" How wonderful to see Lodi get some nice rain... more then a few drops before it passes. Rain, Rain, Rain! California needs all the rain mother nature can give! "

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