Brace Yourself, San Francisco: A Big Storm Is Coming (And We’re Not Built for This)

Courtey of SF GATE

San Francisco friends, we’re about to get weathered. Starting soon and stretching well past Thanksgiving, the forecast is calling for rain, more rain, and—you guessed it—even more rain. Oh, and the temps? A bone-chilling low in the mid-40s. I know, East Coasters are rolling their eyes right now, but as anyone who’s endured The City’s damp chill knows, it’s a whole different beast. So, let’s talk about getting your home ready for this soggy marathon.

1. Clean Your Gutters (and Maybe Your Neighbor’s Too)

Rain gutters aren’t just a nice architectural touch—they’re your first line of defense against water damage. Make sure they’re clear of leaves, twigs, and other debris. And if you’ve got a storm drain near your house, do yourself and your neighbors a favor by clearing it out too. A backed-up storm drain can turn your street into Lake San Francisco faster than you can say “rain boots.” Wet surprises aren’t festive—plan accordingly.

2. Seal Those Windows and Doors

San Francisco houses aren’t exactly known for their airtight construction. Take a stroll around your home and check for drafts around windows and doors. A little weather stripping or caulk can go a long way in keeping the cold out and your heating bill from skyrocketing. Because let’s face it—our SF bodies are not designed for this kind of “cold.” It’s that special, damp chill that makes even New Yorkers admit, “Wow, this hits different.”

3. Trim Your Trees

Strong winds and waterlogged soil are a dangerous combination, especially if you’ve got any trees with loose branches or overgrown limbs. Take the time now to trim them back before they become a problem. Trust me, you don’t want to spend your Thanksgiving explaining to the neighbors why your tree decided to visit their roof uninvited.

4. Check Your Roof

While you’re outside pretending to be a storm prep pro, give your roof a once-over. Look for missing shingles, damaged flashing, or anything else that might turn a regular storm into a very expensive repair. If climbing up there isn’t your thing (and let’s be honest, it’s probably not), hire a professional for a quick inspection. It’s worth it.

5. Stock Up on Essentials

We’re not talking full doomsday prep here, but having a few basics on hand is always a good idea. Batteries, flashlights, sandbags if you’re in a flood-prone area, and some extra snacks (because storm snacks hit different). And don’t forget to charge your devices—rainy days are prime Netflix time.

Prepping for a storm in The City is about staying ahead of the weather and avoiding preventable problems. So, clean those gutters, seal those drafts, and embrace your inner meteorologist—because even if mid-40s doesn’t sound scary, we know better. Stay dry, stay warm, and enjoy the coziness of your storm-ready home.