A JOINT PRESS RELEASE FROM LAKE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                              Leah Sautelet

February 9, 2024                                                                     Leah.Sautelet@lakecountyca.gov

2024 Late January / Early February Winter Storm Update

State assistance requested; damage reports needed.

LAKE COUNTY, CA (February 6, 2024) – Lake County Office of Emergency Services, in coordination with the County Administrative Office submitted a request to Cal OES for any and all support available to aid the County and its residents in recovery from the 2024 January/February Winter Storm. In part, this request will open the door for state or federal assistance for residents who have extensive damage to their primary residence or business.

Renters, homeowners and business owners who sustained damage can continue to report damages for inclusion in any possible assistance that becomes available by visiting https://lakesheriff.com/1448/Response or calling the Community Development Department at (707) 263-2221 during regular business hours.

Sheriff Howe declared the existence of a local emergency on February 5, 2024 caused by winter storms. The Emergency Proclamation was thereafter ratified by the Lake County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, February 6, 2024.

This is Lake County’s 14th disaster in the last six years. During the event, approximately 40% of Lake County households lost power. Of those, about 5% remained without power four days after the peak of the storm. High winds fell trees into homes, across power lines and roads while excessive rains caused flooded roadways and homes. One fire district ran close to 100 calls for service in a ten-hour period. The City of Lakeport and City of Clearlake issued their own proclamation in response to the widespread damage and threat to their citizens. Schools county-wide closed and several schools experienced damage.

 Staying Prepared & Safe Travel

Lake County OES pinned a post with important links to help you stay informed on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/lakecountyoes. Additional winter weather systems may impact the County before winter turns to spring and summer, residents are encouraged to stay prepared. Steps may include:

•                      Maintain at least a half tank of gas at all times;

•                      Maintain drinking water, non-perishable food items and medications on hand;

•                      Keep phones and other electronic devices charged;

•                      Keep cash on hand, as electronic payment systems may go down; and,

•                      Ensure drainage systems on your property are free of debris.

Additional updates and information will continue to be provided via Facebook and online at https://lakesheriff.com/1448/Response.