March 1, 2024 Update
Prepare for strong winds and rain
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a wind advisory for Friday, March 1 at noon through Saturday, March 2 at 10 a.m. Residents can expect sustained winds of 35 - 39 mph and wind gusts of 45 - 57 mph. Possible impacts for our community include fallen trees and limbs as well as power outages. City staff will be on standby throughout the weekend to respond to storm impacts.
February 16, 2024 Update
Update: High winds & rain return this weekend
Prepare for possible power outages and storm impacts
The National Weather Service (NWS) has identified two systems that will bring rain and high winds starting Saturday, Feb.17. NWS is predicting 1-3 inches of rainfall in parts of San Mateo County and wind gusts between 25 - 50 mph. A flood watch is in effect from 10 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 18 through 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21. Residents should be prepared to see hazardous road conditions, power outages, downed trees, and minor to moderate flooding. City staff will be on standby throughout the weekend to respond to storm impacts.
Tips to Get Ready for Winter Storms
February 5, 2024 Update
Remaining Power Outages and Resources
Per PG&E, yesterday's weather was the third-most damaging one-day storm in PG&E history. At least three counties, including Marin and Santa Clara, recorded wind gusts touching 90mph. Trees and other debris flew into equipment across Northern California. The Peninsula currently has some 36,300 addresses still out, down from the Sunday night peak of 78k+. Crews continue to assess and repair as safely as possible. PG&E aims to have all power restored by 6 p.m. tonight but given the extent of outages, it may take until Wednesday.
PG&E continues to make progress restoring power in Menlo Park. If your power is still out:
- You can check the PG&E outage center map online or call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.
- The Menlo Park Library at 800 Alma Street and the Belle Haven Library at 413 Ivy Drive are open until 8 p.m. tonight. They will reopen on Tuesday, Feb. 6th from noon – 8 p.m.
Additional updates from Menlo Park
- Traffic signals remain out in multiple places including on Marsh Road at 101 and Bayfront, Willow Road from Middlefield Road to Bay Road and Laurel and Ravenswood.
- If you encounter a signal that is out, please treat it as a 4-way stop and obey the temporary signage.
- Public works cleared 12 tree issues and repaired 5 fences on Feb. 5 and continue to clear debris today.
- Rain gauges in the San Francisquito Creek (SFC) watershed registered between 0.94-1.8 inches over the last 24 hour period.
- SFC flow peaked at 7:45 pm on Sunday – 820 cfs / 4.3 feet.
- High winds started at noon on Feb. 5 and continued through midnight, with gusts between 20-30 mph.
- For remaining issues with fallen trees and blocked storm drains, contact Public Works at 650-330-6780 (Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.). To report problems you see in the San Francisquito Creek, like trash and large trees/branches, please submit your concern online.
Visit menlopark.gov/storms for more information including contact information and resources.
February 4, 2024 Update
High Winds: Power Outages
The high Wind Advisory issued by the National Weather Service is in effect through 10p.m. tonight, Sunday, Feb. 4. Winds could be up to 50 mph. A Flood Watch continues through 10 a.m. Monday, Feb.5.
Extreme Winds - Outages and Downed Trees
Currently, there are over 75,000 customers in San Mateo County and nearly 130,000 customers in Santa Clara County without power.
Per PG&E, the current storm intensified quickly and shifted the entire Bay Area into PG&E’s highest emergency-response category. The winds have created challenges countywide and region-wide. There are trees down in multiple locations, with more than a few roads blocked. PG&E advised that with the number of outages, it will likely be multiple days before all power is restored to customers. Menlo Park will provide updates about open facilities and resources as PG&E works to repair outages.
For power outages and gas leaks, call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 and check their outage center map online.
If you are without power and seeking a warm, dry place to wait for power to return, the Menlo Park Library at 800 Alma Street and the Belle Haven Library at 413 Ivy Drive are open until 6 p.m. tonight. They will reopen on Monday, Feb. 5th from noon – 8 p.m.
Multiple Traffic Impacts
Multiple traffic impacts on Peninsula highways have been reported. Please consider staying home unless it is an emergency. Drive with extreme caution if you do need to go out. You can also monitor traffic impacts for the Bay Area and sign up for emergency alerts.
Traffic signals are out at Laurel & Ravenswood, Middlefield & Ravenswood, Middlefield & Ringwood, Sand Hill & Santa Cruz Oak Grove & Laurel and Willow Road from Gilbert to 101.
If you encounter a signal that is out, please treat it as a 4-way stop and obey the temporary signage.
Menlo Park Public Works is currently working to clear downed trees.
February 2, 2024 Update
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Flood Watch from Saturday, Feb. 3 at 4 p.m. through Monday, Feb. 5 at 10 a.m. and a Wind Advisory on Sunday, Feb. 4 at 4 a.m. through 10 p.m. NWS is predicting over 1.5 - 4 inches of rainfall in parts of San Mateo County within a 24- to 36-hours period and strong wind gusts potentially reaching 40-70 mph. Residents should be prepared to see hazardous road conditions, power outages, downed trees, and minor to moderate flooding.
Tips to Get Ready for Winter Storms:
- Pick up sandbags in case of possible flooding.
- Prepare for possible power outages (for example, ensure flashlights are available).
- Continue to Monitor Conditions. Sign-up for emergency alerts and check the National Weather Service for updates. The City will continue to monitor forecasts and conditions, and staff is ready to respond should conditions change.
- Review tips for driving in the rain at menlopark.gov/storms.
January 31, 2024 Update
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch from Wednesday, Jan. 31 at 4 a.m. through Friday, Feb. 2 at 4 a.m. and a Wind Advisory from Wednesday, Jan. 31 at 4 a.m. through Thursday, Feb. 1 at 4 a.m. Minor flooding of streams and roadways is expected along with the potential for downed trees and power outages. Another storm system is forecast to arrive Sunday, Feb. 4th.
Prepare Now: Residents impacted by water pooling in neighborhood streets or flooding last year, should consider preparing now. Sign-up for emergency alerts pick up sandbags, and prepare for the storms in advance.
Continue to Monitor Conditions: The City will continue to monitor forecasts and conditions, and staff is ready to respond should conditions change.
In preparation for the storm, our teams are:
- Clearing storm drains
- Monitoring sandbag stations to ensure that residents have access to sand and bags
- Monitoring rainfall forecasts and San Francisquito Creek and Atherton Channel water levels
- Preparing to keep libraries open late in the event of power outages
- Coordinating with neighboring cities, the San Francisquito Creek JPA, and partners to align preparations and response
In addition:
- Pump stations are fueled and in working order
- Emergency generators are fueled in case of power outages
- Traffic control equipment is staged in areas that are prone to flooding
January 29, 2024 Update
The National Weather Service is forecasting heavy rain impacts in our area from Wednesday, Jan. 31 through Thursday, Feb. 1. The storm is expected to bring periods of heavy rain and gusty winds, and our area is under a flood watch. The San Francisquito Creek and Atherton Channel could also near capacity this week. The City of Menlo Park is closely monitoring the weather forecast and is working with partner agencies.
Menlo Park has three sandbag stations at the following locations:
Burgess Park parking lot at Alma Street and Burgess Drive
Fire Station 77 at 1467 Chilco St.
Temporary pop-up at Pope St. Island: 222 Laurel Ave.
Visit the sandbags web page for instructions on how to fill them. Please remember to bring a shovel.
There are also several ways you can protect your property from flood damage before the flood occurs.
If there is an imminent flood threat, you can take these emergency measures:
Place sandbags or plastic sheeting in front of doorways and other low entry points
Elevate furniture above flood protection levels
Move valuables to a higher level
Create floodway openings in non-habitable areas such as garage doors
Seal off sewer lines to the dwelling to prevent backflow of sewer waters
January 26, 2024 Update
The National Weather Service is forecasting heavy rain impacts in our area from Wednesday, Jan. 31 through Thursday, Feb. 1. Periods of heavy rain and gusty winds are possible. The San Francisquito Creek and Atherton Channel could also near capacity next week. The City of Menlo Park is closely monitoring the weather forecast and is working with partner agencies.
Free Sandbags Available
The City of Menlo Park offers free sandbags to help residents prepare for heavy rainfall. Sandbags can be used to redirect and divert water away from your home or business.
Residents can pick up sand and empty bags at the following locations. Please remember to bring a shovel.
Burgess Park parking lot: Alma Street and Burgess Drive
Menlo Park Fire Station No. 77: 1467 Chilco St.
Temporary pop-up at Pope St. island: 222 Laurel Ave.
Important Contacts
Emergency calls: 911
Police non-emergency: 650-330-6300 (including after hours)
Public Works: Fallen trees, sandbags, streets, mudslides, storm drains
650-330-6780 (Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–4 p.m.)
You can also report problems you see in the San Francisquito Creek, like trash and large trees/branches online.
Sign up for SMC Alert
SMC Alert is an alert notification system used to immediately contact you during urgent or emergency situations, and is available in all cities and towns in San Mateo County.