Winter storm prep

[Twinfin II]

The first big storm of the winter season is due to arrive this Tuesday afternoon for those of us in far Northern California and the Pacific Northwest. Winter storm prep always starts with watching the weather reports through the season so I know what’s coming ahead of time. With this storm bringing flood warnings and high wind warnings, it’s sure to be an interesting one.

Pre-storm prep for my rural property includes checking the rain gutters around the roofline to be sure those are clear of leaves. Next comes the drainages beside my long, country driveway to be sure they’re clear and ready for runoff. After that, I’ll check the chainsaws and make sure they’re gassed up and that I’ve got plenty of extra fuel and bar oil in case any trees come down along the driveway. Last, I’ll fill the wood rack next to the house so I can keep the wood stove going without having to make a trip through the rain and wind to the woodshed.

I’m on high ground with good drainage so flooding will not be an issue. On the other hand, I’m on a high ridge so big winds in the forecast are not to be taken lightly.

Looks like I’ll be hunkered down on Tuesday and just enjoy the show. After the storm passes, I’ll venture out to see what needs to be put back in order.

Wish me luck!

Twinfin

 

[EsotericEpsilon]

Generator? Or solar generator?

 

[Dvrjon]

Also walk the roof to ensure valleys and crickets are clear of debris which could divert water under roofing. Look for loose areas which the wind can damage.
Then, I’d lay in the firewood.
Then the saws…if you need fuel or bar oil, you need to make a trip. If needed, you can check the road on the way out and back.

Enjoy the show.

 

[Nautworthy]

The weather change is a good reminder to check your preps. For me, making sure I have propane for the generator and cooking is important.

 

[Twinfin II]

Generator? Or solar generator?

Forgot to mention, I live off-grid. But if I was grid connected, preparing the gas gunny or charging up the battery bank of the solar gunny would probably be my first priority.

 

[Twinfin II]

Also walk the roof to ensure valleys and crickets are clear of debris which could divert water under roofing. Look for loose areas which the wind can damage…

Enjoy the show.

Excellent point. The hip-roof design for my single story home is easy to inspect for deficiencies from the ground. It is a metal roof so very wind resistant; a huge plus for a ridge top home (nearly fireproof too).

Today, we’ve actually got a bit of sunshine between the passing clouds. The National Weather Service is still calling for heavy rain, up to an inch per hour at times and 30-40 mph winds with gust up to 70 mph possible starting tomorrow afternoon.

This is not a “super-storm” but it’s definitely one to give respect to and our first big storm of the season so that’s why I went around yesterday making sure that I had everything in order.

 

[NATEWA]

2022 was interesting.

Fuel and oil for generator
Cars gassed up with extra gas
Water containers for drinking/toilets
Firewood
Propane tank filled
Flashlights and candles
Batteries charged (Ryobi, small back up)
small batteries (aa, aaa - on hand)
Small radio
Food
Chainsaw
Items tied down
Gutters cleaned out
Lock and cable for gate in case power is out
Items up high or out of shop in case it floods

I’m sure I’m missing something.

 

[NATEWA]

Also walk the roof to ensure valleys and crickets are clear of debris which could divert water under roofing. Look for loose areas which the wind can damage.
Then, I’d lay in the firewood.
Then the saws…if you need fuel or bar oil, you need to make a trip. If needed, you can check the road on the way out and back.

Enjoy the show.

Just ordered new chains. Have bar oil, gas and two stroke oil but my chain was dull. I don’t know how to sharpen them so bought a 3 pack.

 

[Twinfin II]

Late Monday night update from the National Weather Service for my location:

… rain could be heavy at times. Low around 45. Windy, with a south southwest wind 45 to 50 mph decreasing to 33 to 38 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 80 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between 2 and 3 inches possible…

Did they just say wind could gust to 80mph?!

If all goes according to plan, I’ll be sitting by the wood stove, enjoying the warmth of the fire and a good book while the storm rages outside. I don’t mind these big winter storms as long as I don’t have to go outside! We’ll soon see what tomorrow brings.

 

[axhoaxho]

Reminds me to do a quick check on our couple Jackery 2000's, and to make sure they are 100% charged.

These Jackery 2000's really came in handy during our last power outage. They could power our 1000W microwave, ICECO VL60 refrigerator, hair dryer (happy wife, happy live,) laptop and iPad, 250W small personal heater, etc., etc.

 

[BigBossman]

Just ordered new chains. Have bar oil, gas and two stroke oil but my chain was dull. I don’t know how to sharpen them so bought a 3 pack.

Chains are very easy to sharpen, if you have the inclination or time to do so. Just need the appropriate sized chain sharpening round file. A jig is also nice, but optional. If you have a Dremel, they make chainsaw sharpening bits for it.

 

[NATEWA]

Thanks - I have a dremel. I’ll look into that.

 

[NATEWA]

Amazon.com

a.co

 

[Twinfin II]

After action report:

Made it through the storm without any drama. The highest wind speed I recorded was 51mph from my wind gauge that is only 4’ off the ground and in a poor location. Actual wind was probably just a bit higher.

All in all, it wasn’t too bad but watching and hearing some of the wind gusts roll through was impressive. Since we’re located on a ridge, we designed and built our house with high winds in mind so I’ve always felt confidant about the house enduring these kind of storms.

Winds this morning wear dead calm. I went on an early a.m. road patrol on my 1-mile long driveway and only encountered a few snapped tree limbs and one small diameter tree across the road. Not bad all things considered. From listening to the scanner last night, I know there were a lot of trees down across the roads in the area.

Oh, I seem to have forgotten this yard chair during my pre-storm sweep of the property!! Had to go down the bank to fetch it

 

[BigBossman]

Amazon.com

a.co

That'll save you some dough, not having to buy new chains when your existing one need sharpening.

 

[axhoaxho]

Jus saw this and thought it'd be nice to share.

 

[colossians323]

The starlink internet is also another awesome tool.
Even if the other companies have outages, the weather does not affect the starling.