Storm preparation continues with communities throughout the Bay Area, including in the East Bay, preparing for heavy rains.

Storm preparation continues with communities throughout the Bay Area, including in the East Bay, preparing for heavy rains.

Bay Area residents have about 24 hours to prepare for the storm that is projected to hit the region on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Public Work crews have been deployed throughout the city of Oakland City clearing storm drains and focusing their efforts on the most problematic areas. Some in flats, others in the hills where rockslides have been giving many a heads up of the reality of saturated land.

“We send out crews to prepare. Right now, they are out clearing storm drains and culverts, taking action to make sure we don’t see any localize flooding on the streets,” said Shamie Sahandy, Public Information Officer for Oakland Public Works.

Luz Pena: “What is different about this storm compared to other ones in the past?”

Shamie Sahandy: “It remains to be seen. We know that we are expecting a lot of rain and some wind. We weathered these storms in the past so doing everything we can to be ready.”

In the Oakland Hills, sandbags are in place and plastic sheets are covering problematic areas on the hillside. Anthony Best got the first alerts this morning.

“Right in my notifications for a flood watch starting December 23 at 10 a.m. for all for San Francisco County,” said Best.

He woke up to a leak in his kitchen and heavy downpour continued to hit this region.

“There has been quite a bit of rain over the past 2-3 days of so,” said Best.

Luz Pena: “Are you concerned about more rain coming?”

Anthony Best: “I am now. Yeah, if you have a leak already. Get ready for holiday travel and things like that.”

As more rain approaches, crews and residents are speeding up their efforts to get ahead of the storm

“Luckily, it’s just showing clouds in my area for the next 24 hours or so, at least that gives us some time in theory to prepare,” said Best.

Oakland residents can get up to 10 free sandbags and 20 feet of plastic to protect their property at the Public Works building at 7101 Edgewater Dr in Oakland.