As you hopefully know, heavy rains and strong winds are forecasted to come tomorrow (3/9/23) mid-day. San Mateo County is under both a wind advisory and a flood watch from 1pm Thursday through 4pm Friday. More rain – and the risk of flooding and slides – is expected through the weekend and into next week.
Below is the official update from the City of Menlo Park. One of the most important things you can do now is to sign up for SMC Alert (or double check that you're signed up, or sign up again). The City does its best to communicate with residents in the midst of an emergency and the most direct way it does so is via SMC Alert.
City staff will be keeping an eye on any flooding, and will be vigilant in responding to downed trees. The official city update below has contact information to report any issues you see. Please do not call 911 unless it is a life threatening situation.
As always, I wish you health and safety. Please be good to yourselves and your neighbors.
Warmly,
P.S. The San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority is having a timely meeting tomorrow (3/9/23) that includes a Study Session which includes an update on the Pope-Chaucer Bridge replacement project (see below). The meeting is at 3:30 via Zoom and in-person. The agenda with information about how to participate is here.
Official Update from the City of Menlo Park
As of 9am on 3/8/23
The National Weather Service San Francisco Bay Area predicts atmospheric river will affect us late this week and include rain, wind and thunderstorms. The storm is expected to arrive Thursday afternoon and continue through the weekend.
This system is tapping into very moist subtropical moisture, which will allow for moderate to periods of heavy precipitation. Latest model guidance suggests the coastal slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains and Santa Lucia Mountains will receive the greatest accumulation of precipitation. Rainfall totals will range from 1.5 to 4 inches. Moderate to heavy rain will lead to rapid rises of area rivers, streams and creeks. Localized ponding of water in low-lying or poorly drained areas as well as localized flooding is possible due to blocked culverts, drainages and storm drains. Strong winds, with gusts of 30-50 mph, may produce difficult driving conditions for high profile vehicles, knock down trees and tree limbs, cause downed powerlines, blow over fences and unsecured objects.
If you have a storm drain inlet near your home in the street, consider using a rake and clearing any nearby debris (leaves, tree branches, etc.) that may have accumulated around or over the grate. If possible, please place organic matter into your compost bins. This will help reduce ponding on our roadways for the next storm.
All residents are encouraged to avoid parking near storm drains or inlets where vehicle tires or other debris may obstruct water flow.
To monitor San Francisquito Creek water levels online, visit the creek monitor site from the City of Palo Alto.
To monitor the Atherton Channel, check the Atherton Channel sensor on the OneShoreline website.
Ways to help
We are stronger as a community when we help those around us and work together during times of adversity. If your home is prepared and you would now like to help others, here are some suggestions for what you could do:
Check on your neighbors. Offer your assistance, particularly to those who may be elderly or infirm. Offer to help get them sandbags for their home if needed. Ensure they have a way to get current information on potential flooding or commit to them that you will monitor current information and share it with them when needed. Ensure they know they can call 9-1-1 if they need emergency assistance.
Help pack sandbags. It may be hard for some people to use a shovel to fill their own sandbags, or to load them into their vehicle. If you are able to help, head to one of the sandbag stations and see if anyone there needs assistance.
Check and help clear storm drains in your neighborhood. If you have a storm drain inlet near your home in the street, consider using a rake and clearing any debris (leaves, tree branches, etc.) that may have accumulated over the grate. If possible, please place organic matter into your compost bins. This will help reduce ponding on our roadways for the next storm. Encourage your friends in other neighborhoods to do the same thing.
Report issues promptly
For blocked storm drains, sink holes, landslides, levee damage and fallen trees, call Public Works at 650-330-6780 weekdays from 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. and at 650-330-6300 after-hours.
For power outages or gas leaks, call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 and check their outage center map online.
For sewer problems, call West Bay Sanitary District at 650-321-0384.
Please do not call 9-1-1 unless there is an imminent threat to life or other serious emergency. For general questions, consider texting the city at 650-679-7022.
