Homeowners and crews prep for biggest storm in years

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Homeowners and work crews are preparing for Thursday's arrival of the biggest storm to hit California in years.

The combination of huge trees and large displays along Fresno's Christmas Tree Lane are expected to be impacted by this storm. Damage is expected but just how severe will depend on the wind speeds.

Thousands of people enjoyed the final walk night along Christmas Tree Lane under cloudy skies Wednesday evening.

But Thursday night is predicted to look drastically different as the storm rolls in.

"We tie them down expecting small winds," said Christmas Tree Lane organizer Dean Alexander. "But, you know, 30-40mph wind will create havoc. It will flip displays down. We will have damage. If that comes through, there's no way to protect it."

Alexander says years ago there was heavy damage when winds flung large display boards into the street. That storm also brought down large trees, a worry utility crews have about the upcoming storm. "The first impact will be the wind bringing down limbs or in some cases entire trees on power poles," said PG&E spokesman Denny Boyles.

Downed trees and limbs are the main cause for expected power outages. Some utility crews spent the day trimming trees Thursday while others rested in anticipation of around the clock work during the storm.

Private tree service workers thinned out trees and cleared away brush to prepare for the storm along Fruit and Ashlan in Northwest Fresno.

"Basically to take some weight off the trees so just in case like you said in the wind or storm...they won't fall off," said Jose Mancilla of J&A Tree and Landscaping.

Large scale prep work won't prevent all damage, but it will lessen the chances of large-scale power outages.

As for the displays on the Famous Christmas Tree Lane, homeowners are hoping the winds go easy on them. "We welcome the rain," Alexander said. "We really don't welcome the wind."

PG&E also says you can monitor and report outages on your smartphone.

Christmas Tree Lane will be open for a drive night through Christmas.

Watch the video for extended coverage from Action News reporter Mariana Jacob.