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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The powerful windstorm that hit Lake County last week was the result of the meeting of two weather systems, according to a weather forecaster.
The storm, which occurred Nov. 21 and 22, left in its wake widespread damage along the Northshore, particularly in the community of Nice, as well as the city of Clearlake.
Northshore Fire Protection District Chief Jay Beristianos called the storm an “unprecedented” event, and nothing like he's seen in the more than 40 years he has lived in Lake County.
He said he also has spoken to older residents who have lived their whole lives here, and they also couldn't recall a windstorm quite like it.
So, what exactly happened?
Johnnie Powell, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service's Sacramento office, told Lake County News that it was the convergence of two pressure systems that led to the storm.
“This was a unique thing that happened here,” he said.
Preceding the windstorm, the county had experienced a few days of rain, which Powell said was the result of a low pressure system moving over the region.
As that low pressure system was moving out, a high pressure system came in at an unusual tilt, Powell said. Then the low pressure system stalled.
He said the lower pressure system was moving in a counter clockwise direction, while the high pressure system was moving clockwise.
Where the two systems met, very strong winds resulted, Powell said.
Lake County, he said, was “right in the bulls eye.”
The Sierras and Lake County both had strong north winds because of the two systems meeting, with the Sacramento Valley mostly protected, Powell said.
Powell said Lake County experienced sustained winds averaging around 40 miles per hour, with the highest gust reported to be 78 miles per hour in the Cow Mountain area near Lakeport.
Those winds on Cow Mountain knocked down numerous trees, with some trees also down at the campground at the Cow Mountain Recreation Area, according to Jeff Tunnell of the Bureau of Land Management. He said they haven't yet begun to survey the damage on the recreation's trails.
Elsewhere around the county, wind speeds were recorded at 40 miles per hour on Mt. Konocti and 61 miles per hour in Hidden Valley Lake, Powell said.
At Wilbur Springs, on the Lake and Colusa County lines, winds were clocked at 62 miles per hour, according to Powell.
Powell said there isn't any serious wind activity forecast to take place again in the county anytime soon.
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Caltrans and the California Highway Patrol want to remind motorists to prepare for winter weather.
If you must travel during a winter storm, be prepared and use caution as well as common sense.
Make sure your vehicle is in good working condition. In particular, check the antifreeze, tire pressure and treads, brakes, windshield wipers, heater, defroster and exhaust system.
When traveling through snow country, motorists should carry tire chains that are the proper type and size, and are in good condition.
Chains must be installed on the drive wheels, so make sure you know if your vehicle is front or rear wheel drive.
Other useful items to take with you are a flashlight, chain repair links, ice scraper or spray de-icer, and a shovel.
Taking along water, food, warm blankets, and extra clothing will make you more comfortable if you experience a lengthy delay.
And before you leave, put an extra car door key in your pocket; a number of motorists have locked themselves out of their cars when putting on chains.
“A prepared motorist is a safer motorist to themselves, other travelers, and our highway workers. Focus on the road conditions, use your seat belts, and arrive safely to your destination.” said Charlie Fielder, Caltrans District 1 director.
Don’t be rushed. Get an early start to allow more time to reach your destination. Let someone know your travel plans, your route, and when you expect to arrive. Make sure to let them know if plans change.
Keep your fuel tank full in case it’s necessary to change routes or you get caught in a traffic delay. A highway speed of 55 or 65 miles an hour may be safe in dry weather, but it is an invitation for trouble in winter weather.
“During the winter months, we see a spike in traffic collisions as a result of inclement weather. Reduced visibility compounded by snow and ice-covered roadways require a longer stopping distance, so be sure to leave more distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. Remember to be more observant, attentive and slow down,” said CHP Officer Matt Harvey.
Bridge decks and shady spots can be icy when other areas are not, so remember to avoid sudden stops and quick direction changes.
If you encounter fog, make sure to slow down and drive with your lights on low beam. Don’t stop on a highway, unless it’s an emergency. Keep a close watch on your speed, and don’t forget the law that requires you to have your headlights on anytime your windshield wipers are on continuously.
Officer Harvey said, “Remember to buckle up, designate a nondrinking driver, and eliminate distractions while driving to your destination.”
Before traveling and during your trip, be sure to check current road conditions by calling the California Highway Information Network at 1-800-427-7623, by visiting www.dot.ca.gov or by monitoring the local media.
NORTH COAST, Calif. – Blood Centers of the Pacific and fire departments in Sonoma, Lake and Mendocino counties are partnering for the 8th annual Bucket Brigade Challenge, running from Dec. 9 to Jan. 21.
Fire departments taking part in the challenge enlist community members, neighbors, co-workers, friends and family to give lifesaving blood in an effort to boost the local blood supply, earn the coveted title for their department and carry the Bucket Trophy for the year.
In the previous season’s challenge, fire departments recruited almost 1,000 people who gave 700 units of blood – a tremendous boost to the local blood supply.
Windsor Fire Protection District won the trophy for the fourth time, with Lakeport Fire Department close behind.
The idea of the Bucket Brigade comes from the Great London Fire of 1666 that found community members in “brigades” as they passed buckets of water from the city’s water supply to the blaze that endangered their town.
This modern day Bucket Brigade gathers our community together – not to fight flame, but to save lives through blood donations.
“The Bucket Brigade was created to increase local blood supply during a time when donations are traditionally low as a result of challenging weather, the busy holiday season and impact of flu season,” said Andrea Casson, senior account representative at Blood Centers of the Pacific.
“Fire Departments support us throughout the year and the support during the winter months is critical,” said Casson. “More than 8,000 people have participated in the annual Bucket Brigade. We are thankful for the unwavering community spirit of our local firefighters and residents. The Bucket Brigade has grown into a lifesaving community event.”
Four-time title holder Windsor Fire Protection District challenges all participating departments to increase community involvement in an effort to secure the Bucket Brigade Trophy this season.
“Windsor Fire Protection District’s main goal in participating is to support the always pressing need for blood donations. With the overwhelming support the community of Windsor gives us, we’ve been very fortunate to have high numbers of donors over the past few years. I am always hopeful this will encourage other fire departments to drive hard and try to beat us,” said Windsor Fire Captain Dean Crothers.
Crothers added, “Let’s make this year the best Bucket Brigade yet. The more donations we get throughout the local counties, the more available for those in need. And unfortunately, there’s always a need.”
This season’s challenge is not without heat from strong competitors with a plan on how to earn the trophy – San Antonio Volunteer Fire Department hopes to unseat Windsor Fire Protection District from the throne this year.
“San Antonio Volunteer Fire Department (SAVFD) is participating in the challenge to show their continued support to the community,” said SAVFD fire fighter Jason Zajonc. “SAVFD's goal in this season’s challenge is to have 100 participants through gathering our community supporters, local firefighters and business partners. For all those participating, remember: it helps to save lives.”
Donors receive an event t-shirt, a “mini physical” and “hero reward points,” which can be redeemed for items like movie tickets and ice cream.
In Lake County, blood drive events will take place in December and January.
On Friday, Dec. 20, the South Lake County Fire Protection District will host a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the fire station meeting room, 21095 Highway 175.
From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, the Lakeport Fire Department will host a blood drive at its main station, 445 N Main St.
To find a drive near you and to make an appointment, visit www.bloodheroes.com or call 888-393-GIVE (4483).
Comet ISON went around the sun on Thursday, but so far it looks like the comet didn't survive the trip.
Several solar observatories watched the comet throughout this closest approach to the sun, known as perihelion.
While the fate of the comet is not yet established, it is likely that it did not survive.
The comet grew faint while within both the view of NASA's Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory, and the joint European Space Agency and NASA's Solar and Heliospheric Observatory.
The comet was not visible at all in NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory.
A white plus sign shows where the comet should have appeared to SDO.
“We didn't see Comet ISON in SDO,” said Dean Pesnell, project scientist for SDO. “So we think it must have broken up and evaporated before it reached perihelion.”
While this means that Comet ISON will not be visible in the night sky in December, the wealth of observations gathered of the comet over the last year will provide great research opportunities for some time.
One important question will simply be to figure out why it is no longer visible.
NORTH COAST, Calif. – A body recovered in the ocean near Gualala last week has been identified as that of a missing Roseville businessman.
Stephen Clark Pease, 57, the owner of several Sacramento-area businesses, was identified following a Tuesday autopsy, according to a report from Capt. Greg Van Patten of the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office.
Pease had been reported missing to the Roseville Police Department on Oct. 31, Van Patten said.
The Roseville Police Department missing person’s investigation determined Pease had checked out of a Fort Bragg area motel on Nov. 3.
Van Patten said Pease's body was found 50 to 60 miles from that hotel on the afternoon of Nov. 23.
At approximately 12:30 p.m. that day recreational divers were swimming in the Pacific Ocean near the shore in the Gualala area when they located Pease's body, Van Patten said.
The divers called the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office. Van Patten said the Sonoma County Sheriff's helicopter Henry-1, members of the South Coast Volunteer Fire Department, a California Highway Patrol Officer and a California Department of Fish and Wildlife Warden also responded to assist with the body recovery.
The warden donned a wetsuit and swam out to Pease and pulled him to the shore, Van Patten said. Due to the height and steepness of the cliff it was not possible to carry the body up to the roadway.
Van Patten said a Sonoma County deputy sheriff and a South Coast firefighter were suspended under the helicopter and lowered to recover the body.
Pease's body appeared to have been in the water for more than a few days and no identification was found with him. Van Patten said Pease would be identified thanks to the ID numbers found on his hip implants during the autopsy.
Van Patten said authorities are still searching for the rental car Pease was driving, a silver 2014 Chevrolet Captiva with Oregon license plate 500GKN.
The coroner's investigation is ongoing into the cause of Pease's death, Van Patten said.
LOWER LAKE, Calif. – Be sure to bring your children or grandchildren to visit Santa, enjoy holiday goodies and listen to local musicians at the Saturday, Dec. 14, annual Christmas at the Ranch Open House at the Anderson Marsh State Historic Park near Lower Lake.
The event will take place from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
Santa Claus will be there to greet children and Christmas songs will be performed by local entertainers with the public invited to join in.
Music starts at 10 a.m. with Stephen Pollaine on the piano. David Neft will perform at 11 a.m. then Harry Lyons, Tom Nixon, Rick McCann, and others will play at noon.
AMIA board members Don Coffin, Gae Henry and Henry Bornstein will join other performers at various times throughout the event. Joan Moss will arrive at 1 p.m. to close out the fun day of music and Christmas cheer.
This is a great opportunity to visit the historical ranch house at the park. This event has been a favorite holiday tradition for many years and is continuing this year with the help of many local volunteers and members of the Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association, which sponsors the event.
The public is warmly invited to attend this traditional, relaxed and fun holiday event. Join the volunteers of the Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association for an old-fashioned Christmas open house at the ranch.
Parking for the event is free at the county Social Services building where a shuttle operated by Lake Transit will bring people to the ranch house. Handicapped parking for the event, also free, is available at the ranch house parking lot.