It's 4:45pm on Tuesday, March 21st and I'm once again letting you know that Menlo Park, including parts of District 3, has been hit by widespread power outages (see PG&E outages map below).
My power went out for several hours, and it just went back on again (keeping fingers crossed). At the end of the school day, one of my kids still had power at school [Hillview] and one did not [M-A High School]). The constant chorus of sirens that I heard when the blackout first happened has thankfully subsided. Tragically, one fatality from a falling tree has been reported in Ladera - my heart goes out to the man's family. Please stay off the roads if possible.
As reported in the City's official update (from 3:40pm today [3/21], see below), dozens of trees have fallen and many streets are impacted. Below is a picture from my neighborhood (Vintage Oaks) of a tree that knocked down a backyard fence.
I know we are all sick of the disruption and havoc these storms have wreaked on Menlo Park. We will get through this and once again have brighter (literally, and less windy!) days. Much like the first days of the pandemic three years ago, we are getting by on adrenaline and survival instincts...but with the passage of time and more frequent and prolonged outages, our nerves are fraying and exhaustion is setting in. Please be good to yourselves. This is hard.
Below is the official update from today (3/21) as of 3:40pm from the City of Menlo Park. I am in awe of the staff of our great city, under the tireless leadership of City Manager, Justin Murphy, and their ability to keep at it, storm after storm. They are truly doing the best they can.
My thoughts are with all of you. Stay safe.
Warmly,
P.S. In case you missed it, here is an email I sent after a community meeting with PG&E on Thursday, March 16th. It has some notes about how PG&E tends to prioritize power restoration.
Official Update from the City of Menlo Park
As of 3:40pm on 3/21/23
March 21 - High winds causing downed trees, power outages
The National Weather Service's Wind advisory remains in effect until 9 p.m. Sustained southeast winds above 30 miles per hour, with gusts above 40 miles per hour, have caused widespread downed trees and tree branches. Some of these have sparked small fires and power outages.
Please exercise extreme caution anytime you encounter downed power lines and always assume they are energized and dangerous. Immediately call 9-1-1 and PG&E at 1-800-743-5002 to report these downed lines. Follow the downed power line safety tips. View the PG&E Outage Center map for the latest power outage updates.
Public Works crews are responding to over 2 dozen downed tree calls this afternoon and several blocked streets. Please check the Zonehaven map for the latest updates on street closures and traffic signal outages, and allow extra time if you must be out on the road. If you don't have to be, please avoid driving during this time.
Crews are working to reopen streets and prioritizing based on life/safety needs, traffic flow (including near schools) and then other areas for debris removal. Please note, city crews cannot remove trees or debris where downed lines exist until PG&E has responded to remove the wires and deemed the area safe.
Menlo Park's police officers, and our partners from the Menlo Park Fire Protection District, are responding to numerous emergency calls related to downed wires, power line sparked fires and street obstructions. Please do not call 9-1-1 unless there is an imminent threat to life or other serious emergency.
The rain appears to be letting up, but wind will remain a concern for a few more hours. We have crews working to respond quickly to these and any weather-related incidents throughout the evening.
Report issues promptly
For fallen trees, blocked storm drains, flooding concerns, sink holes and landslides, call Public Works at 650-330-6780 weekdays from 7 a.m.–4 p.m. and at 650-330-6300 after-hours.
For power outages and gas leaks, call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 and check their outage center map online.
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.
