Sea Ranch Weather Tips: Storm Weather

We Love our Sea Ranch Storm Weather

We are thrilled to announce all the rains of 2023 quenched our drought-starved Sea Ranch and the rest of California. First we share our love of the rainy weather, then offer you tips for driving in it.

However, we know to temper our excitement with great caution. Stormy weather conditions, especially those labeled atmospheric rivers, promise to include high surf, flooded roads, wind felled trees, and power outages.

So we want to make sure you are ready for this or any other storm weather you may encounter during our fall and winter rainy season. Be sure you follow our updates on our Facebook Page announcing emergency information including road closures and power outages.

Stormy Weather is Loved by Pluviophiles

As many of you are aware, California has endured a drought for many years. Last year’s El Niño helped in quenching the coast. But we still have a great need for more. Winter is usually coupled by chilly weather and begins our rainy season.

So even though storm weather reports may seem dire, many of us are rejoicing at the prospect of a rainy day. That’s because most of us consider ourselves pluviophiles.  

What Pluviophiles love most:

We love to…

Watch rain roll down the window pane.  We celebrate each raindrop as it etches its uniquely designed path. 

Meanwhile the waves leap above the ocean bluff. Almost magically water-starved meadows transform into an emerald hue.

The musical sound sound of the rain running down the gutter to the ground becomes music to our ears.

 We mark its rise and fall of tempos beginning with its soft Larghetto plop-pit -pat, gradually increasing to an  Andante pit-a-pat-pit, then rising to Allegro often climaxing in a Vivace staccato, as it becomes it’s own symphonic masterpiece such as the one below.

Weathering  Storms at Sea Ranch

Now that you have gained a love of our storm weather we want to provide you with tips that will help you weather the storms you may encounter while visiting Sea Ranch and surrounding areas.

Gathered below are tips we recommend you follow while experiencing a storm on your way to or while staying at Sea Ranch.

Tip 1:  Make Your Car Storm Weather Worthy

Here in the coastal north, when it rains, as they say, it pours. Storm systems headed our way over the ocean are often a unique combination of wind and moist air from the Pacific.

Our guests receive an in-depth digital Guidebook that includes road travel tips and alternate routes when weather impacts travel. If you are not booked with us we strongly recommend you seek out this information prior to departure.

Before you hit the road you’ll want to check that you’ve done the following to prepare your car for the road:

1.  Replace your car’s wiper blades at the first sign they aren’t working at their optimal level. In fact consider keeping a replacement set in your trunk, just in case.
2. Check your tires’ tread and pressure making sure they both meet the regulation. This prevents you from slipping around on wet roads,
3. Make sure your defroster is working well
4. Check your brakes regularly.

For a more in-depth look at making your car storm ready check out our blog post: 
7 TIPS TO READY YOUR CAR FOR A RAINY WEATHER ROAD TRIP 

Tip 2: Pack Your Car Wisely

When packing for your trip to Sea Ranch you’ll want to also pack your car with the following:

1. Road emergency kit that includes jumper cables, equipment to change a flat tire, and a first aid kit.
2. Blankets
3. Food and water
4. Insurance and road information, including alternate routes in case of flooding

One other item you may want to consider is a small chainsaw, especially when traveling along the wooded roadways to Sea Ranch. Falling tree limbs frequently block the roads. Removal of them is made easier with a saw.We caution that you become knowledgable of its use before you pack it.

To help you better plan for alternate roadways visit our blog post: ROAD CLOSURES IN SONOMA/MENDOCINO WORRYING YOU?

Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound.

Tip 3: Be Prepared for Power Outages

Frequently, with the rain in Sea Ranch, comes power outages, especially if the rain is coupled with strong winds. Some power outages will last only a few seconds though others can last as long as many hours.

What to Have at Hand:

When you know there is a storm approaching, be sure you have the following items at hand:

1. Flashlights or battery-operated lantern. Some now come with wind up chargers to avoid the worry of dead batteries.
   You’ll find a basket full in Abalone Bay.
2.  Extra blankets. With a power outage, the heat will go off. Even if you have a gas fireplace the striker may be electric.
   We provide extra blankets in all bedroom closets.
3. Candles, especially battery-operated LED candles which are safer. And with the decline of smoking who in this day in age has matches?
   They are the only kind we allow in Abalone Bay.
4. Battery operated radio within easy reach.
   Ours is located in the hall closet, next to the flashlights and first aid kit.
5. A manual can opener.  
   Of course not only do we have an electric can opener, we also have manual.
6. Ready-to-eat foods included in your grocery supplies
7. Cell phone with a charger that does not rely on electricity such as a solar charger.
   Note: Verizon and AT&T are the only reliable phone service companies in the Mendonoma region.

What to Do During a Power Outage

1. Avoid flooded locations and areas with downed trees. Both are typical places for downed lines to occur. Remember, call 911 first to report downed lines. Never drive over a downed power line. If a wire touches your car, do not get out of your car unless it is on fire.
2. Unplug or turn off all appliances during an outage. This action can help avoid overloading circuits when the power is restored.
3. Leave a single lamp on to alert you when the power returns. When the power is restored, you can begin to turn your appliances on, one at a time.

Tip 4: Relish the  Stormy Weather

There are so many ways to enjoy the rainy weather.

Play a board game or work on a puzzle.

 

Read a good book by the light of the window…

or by the glow of the fireplace.

Wrap yourself in a toasty blanket and let the rain become your lullaby as you take a lush afternoon nap.

Select your favorite rainy day playlist tunes on your devices.
Here is a list that we put together last year: RAINY-DAY PLAYLIST FOR ABALONE BAY. What songs would you add to it for this year?

More Ways to Enjoy the Rain

Take a walk in the rain.

Just be certain that you never turn your back on the ocean!

For more suggestions on enjoying storm weather read our blog post: 11 RAINY DAY ACTIVITIES AT SEA RANCH ABALONE BAY VACATION RENTAL

Share Your Tips and Suggestions for Storm Weather Survival

We’ve listed a few of our tips to make your trip to Sea Ranch a safe and fun one.

Do you have a favorite tip or recommendation for storm weather survival? We’d love to hear what you do to make the most out of a rainy and stormy stay at Sea Ranch. Just post your comments below.

Don’t forget to share this post with friends and family who may be about to get out into the stormy weather. We want everyone to be safe and enjoy their travels, no matter where they may go.

And in case you’d like to make a rainy day trip to Sea Ranch we still have dates available this fall and winter. Just click the button below to inquire about your next visit to Abalone Bay.

 

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