Albany Weather Forecast: 'Significant' Rain Heading Our Way

ALBANY, CA — Blue skies on Thursday are the literal "calm before the storm" as a fierce winter storm bears down on the Bay Area.

The National Weather Service is warning of significant rainfall this weekend, measuring several inches depending upon your elevation, accompanied by gusty winds.

The Sierra has been clobbered by snow all week. Before hitting the road for some skiing or snowboarding, check the weekly snow report, including the link to road conditions. Some major highways have been closed because of poor conditions. At the very least, carry chains.

Tips for Driving:

• Make sure your car has good tires, firm brakes and streak free wipers
• Check your car lights to ensure all are working properly so other drivers can clearly see you on the road
• Fill your fuel tank before the storm hits
• Remember to turn on your headlights anytime your windshield wipers are on
• Wear your safety belt and ensure your passengers do the same
• Slow down and allow enough room between your car and the car in front of you
• Try not to brake hard or make sudden sharp turns in the rain as this can increase your chance of losing traction
• Do not use cruise control on wet roads; it can increase your chances of spinning out
• Avoid driving through standing water
• Prepare an alternate route for any trips you may be taking
• If you are traveling to the mountains, check road conditions before you leave.
• Charge you cell phone and have a hands free device for your vehicle
• Check your emergency roadside kit to ensure all items are there and check to make sure your flashlight has fresh batteries

Tips for your home:

• Pick up loose leaves before the storm to reduce risk of street flooding; monitor grates to keep water flowing
• Prepare a simple emergency kit: a flashlight, battery-operated clock, extra batteries, manual can opener, supply of bottled water
• During an outage, use battery-operated flashlights, and not candles, due to the risk of fire. If you must use candles, keep them away from drapes, lampshades and small children. Do not leave candles unattended
• Have a battery-operated radio or television to get news reports with estimated times that electricity will be restored in case of power outage.
• Make sure your cell phone is charged
• Freeze plastic containers filled with water to make blocks of ice that can be placed in your refrigerator and freezer during an outage to prevent food from spoiling
• Assume any downed line is “energized” and stay away. Do not remove fallen tree limbs or other debris from lines
• Refrain from removing manhole covers to relieve flooding on streets and intersections
• Have a list of all contact information for local emergencies such as contacting PG&E for power outages.

-Image via Union City PD