Starting in late February, a series of heavy snowstorms brought our area to a standstill. For the second year in a row, we experienced significant snow damage from trees into utility lines and structures, residents trapped in their homes and neighborhoods until snow and downed trees could be moved, extended power outages, and – new this year, roof and structure destruction from the unusually heavy snow load. Daily life was significantly interrupted while modern amenities like electricity and internet were unavailable.
I know a number you remain isolated from communications, and we are doing everything we can to support getting you reconnected. Thank you all for your patience and community-minded helpfulness.
This article in international news publication, The Guardian, provides a great overview of the storm we just experienced and gives it context for those who didn’t directly experience it.
As you may have heard, the board of supervisors proclaimed a local state of emergency for Nevada County. This proclamation is the formal step necessary to request emergency mutual aid from state and federal partners following this extreme snowstorm.
After the snow came yet another atmospheric river, which has washed away much of the snow and is causing flooding at lower elevations. We’ve been talking about climate change for years and now, we’re living in the changed climate. Extreme weather events are increasingly common, which makes it all the more important for residents in this region, in particular, to make sure we are prepared for these situations and have a support network to reach out to when necessary.
Check out the Office of Emergency Services’ winter storm information and recovery resources.
And please take this Winter Storm Building Damage Survey which is gathering damage information to assess and advocate for additional aid to be made available for individuals and businesses.
I want to extend a hearty thanks to everyone who provided aid during or after the recent storms:
- Nevada County’s Office of Emergency Services
- Nevada County Sheriff’s Office
- Sheriff Search and Rescue
- Nevada County Consolidated Fire
- CAL FIRE
- All first responders – I’m sure you’ve been busy!
- The County’s roads crews (including subcontractors)
- All County staff who worked long hours in the emergency operations center
- Sierra Roots
- Nevada County Library
- Warming shelter volunteers
- Nevada County Building Department
- Nevada County Facilities team
- Nevada County Transit
- Residents who helped neighbors
- Firewise Communities and neighborhood associations
- Team Rubicon
- Nevada County schools and their leadership
- PG&E line crews
- United Way of Nevada County
- Local media outlets
- CalOES (which was embedded in our emergency operations center)
- Waste Management
- 211 Connecting Point
- Interfaith Food Ministry
