A heavy rain storm is expected to hit the region by Thursday afternoon, with rain totals expected to be 1-3 inches.

San Gabriel residents can prepare for the storm by picking up free sandbags, courtesy of the Public Works Department. Each address in the city is entitled to 10 free sandbags per year. If you would like to pick up sandbags, please call Public Works at 626.308.2825 to schedule an appointment.

Residents and business owners should also be sure to sign up for SG Alert, the emergency notification system from the San Gabriel Fire Department. In the event of a weather emergency or any other serious incident, the Fire Department will provide important and possibly life-saving information through the alert system. Community members can sign up to receive text messages, phone calls or email messages at www.sangabrielcity.com/SGalert.

For more information on how to prepare for a storm, visit www.sangabrielcity.com/elnino.