Winter Storm Hazards: What to Do When Trees Block the Road — and More

Winter storms in the Timber Cove area can bring down trees and power lines, and cause flooding or outages. Here’s how to stay safe and help emergency responders keep roads clear and people protected.

✅ Stay Prepared

  • Keep your vehicle fueled, your phone charged, and your emergency kit stocked.

  • Sign up for local alerts on our Resources page to receive notifications about road closures, evacuations, and severe weather.

  • Follow Caltrans updates for road conditions.

  • Share this page with neighbors — prepared communities are safer communities.

🚧 If a Tree Is Blocking the Road

  • Call 911 if the tree blocks a lane or the entire highway. Dispatchers will notify the appropriate agency.

  • Even without cell reception, 911 may still connect. Try it.

  • Stay back if power lines are involved. This is a true emergency. PG&E must shut down the line before anyone can safely approach. Do not touch or go near the tree.

🚗 Driving Near Downed Trees

  • Drive cautiously in windy or wet conditions. You may be the first to encounter a hazard.

  • Watch for missing reflective markers — they may be obscured by debris. This is a signal to slow down. Fallen trees absorb light and can be hard to see. Defensive driving saves lives.

  • If traffic is stopped due to a tree, turn on your hazard lights to alert drivers behind you.

🌲 Heavily Forested Areas: Stay Out

  • If a tree falls in a dense forest zone (e.g., Salt Point), turn around and wait in a clear area.

  • Your vehicle won’t protect you from another falling tree.

  • Observe how many trees have already fallen — this is not a safe place to linger.

🪚 Chainsaw Users: What Helps, What Hurts

  • Do not limb the tree before responders arrive. We may be able to move the tree whole to the roadside — it’s faster and safer.

  • If you’re equipped and trained, wait for direction from fire personnel before assisting.

Other Winter Storm Hazards

⚡ Power Outages

  • Report outages to PG&E at 1-800-743-5002 or via their website.

  • Avoid downed lines — assume they’re live.

  • Keep flashlights, batteries, and backup power ready. Don’t rely on candles.

  • If using a generator, keep it outdoors and away from windows to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

🌊 Flooding

  • Never drive through standing water — it may be deeper than it looks or hide debris.

  • Turn around, don’t drown.

  • Watch for road closures and washouts, especially near creeks and low-lying areas.

  • Report flooding hazards to 911 if they pose a danger to traffic or property.