Storms and flooding

Are you ready for the next storm?

Winter storms can cause floods, uprooted trees, downed utility lines and landslides.

You should know the potential for flooding or flash flooding in your neighborhood.

2024 Winter Storm Updates

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.  

 

 

Sandbags for residents

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.

Alerts and real-time information 

Residents can sign up for the following notification services to receive critical information on emergencies:

Creek and channel water level monitors

San Francisquito Creek

Atherton Channel

Atherton Channel upstream of Caltrain sensor from OneShoreline

When issues occur during storms

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.

Power outages - prepare and navigate

During winter storms, heavy rain and strong wind gusts can cause power outages. To prepare for potential power outages, please follow these helpful tips from PG&E:

  • Make sure PG&E can reach you to alert you of a possible power outage by calling1-800-743-5000 and updating your contact information.
  • Pack an emergency supply kit with nonperishable food, one gallon of water per person per day, medications, flashlights, and batteries.
  • Fully charge your mobile phone and consider adding a battery-powered portabe charger to your emergency kit to extend the battery life of your phone.
  • Practice opening and closing your garage door manually.
  • If you have a car, be sure to fill the tank as gas stations may be closed during an emergency or power outage. If you own an electric vehicle, make sure you have enough charge to make it to a charging station outside of your immediate area.
  • Keep bills and cash on hand (preferably in small bills) in case ATMs are unavailable.

If your power goes out, call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 and check their outage center map online.

PG&E offers additional tips on how to protect yourself during a power outage and after a power outage.

If you are interested in assisting Menlo Park neighbors during power outages and disasters, please consider joining the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) of Menlo Park. CERT is a critical Menlo Park community program run by the Menlo Park Fire Protection District. The program currently has 60 volunteers and is seeking additional members. The Menlo Park Fire Protection District continually runs free training sessions to become a member of CERT as well as related trainings such as disaster preparedness. Learn more about CERT and register for upcoming classes.

Flood safety measures

  • Pay attention to evacuation orders. Listen to local radio or TV stations for forecasts and emergency warnings. Know about evacuation routes and nearby shelters and have plans for all family members on evacuation procedures and where to meet if you are separated during an emergency.

  • Do not drive through flooded areas. During a flood, more people drown in their cars than anywhere else. Do not drive around road barriers, the road or bridge may be washed out.  

  • Do not walk through flowing water. Flash flooding is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S. Water currents can be deceptive; six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet in a strong current. If you walk through standing water, use a stick or pole to help you locate the ground.

  • Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. Electrical currents can travel through water. Report downed power lines to 9-1-1 immediately, then call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.  

  • Have the power company turn off your electricity. Some appliances, like televisions, keep electrical charges even after they are unplugged. Do not use appliances or motors that have gotten wet unless they have been taken apart, cleaned and dried.  

  • Look before you step. After a flood, the ground and floors may be covered with debris like broken bottles or nails. Floors and stairs that are covered with mud can be slippery  

  • Be alert for gas leaks. Use a flashlight to inspect damage. Do not smoke or use candles, lanterns, or open flames unless you know the gas has been shut off and the area has been ventilated. 

Property protection measures

There are 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

You can also make permanent changes to protect a building from flood damage:

  • Keep water away by regrading the lot
  • Build a small floodwall or earthen berm. This can be helpful for some houses on slab foundations.
  • If your house is on a crawlspace, a low floodwall, berm or “wet flood proofing” may help. Wet flood proofing means moving all items subject to flood damage out of harm’s way so water can flow into the crawlspace without causing problems.
  • Make the walls waterproof and put watertight closures over doors. This is called “dry flood proofing.”
  • If floodwaters go over the first floor, you can raise the building above flood protection levels.
  • Electrical panel boxes, furnaces, water heaters, washers and dryers should be elevated or relocated to a location less likely to be flooded.

 

 

Tips for safe driving in storms

  • Stay informed: Check local weather updates and road conditions before getting on the road. Subscribe to the San Mateo County emergency and non-emergency alerts.
  • Inspect your vehicle before leaving: check your tires, headlights and windshield wipers before leaving.
  • Turn your headlights on during rain: If your wipers are on, then your headlights should be on. Headlights must be turned on during darkness and inclement weather, which includes: rain, fog, mist and snow.
  • Reduce your speed: Slow down to allow time to react to unforeseen situations. Leave early to give yourself more time to get to your destination.
  • Increase vehicle distance: Increasing the distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you will allow you more time to react to any sudden change in conditions such as hydroplaning or sudden braking due to weather conditions.
  • Pull over for emergency vehicles: If an emergency vehicle with its lights or sirens on is headed your way, you must get out of the way as soon as possible.
  • Traffic Lights: Power outages due to weather may mean some traffic lights are out of order. If a traffic light is not functioning, it must be treated as a stop sign. Four-stop refresher: the first vehicle to arrive has the right of way and if multiple vehicles arrive at the same time then the vehicle to the right goes first.
  • Turn around, don’t drown: Do not attempt to drive through flood waters, it is safer to turn around and find alternate routes. Call 9-1-1 if you are trapped by moving water.
  • Be prepared: Keep a bag of emergency essentials in your vehicle, including: a flashlight, water, first aid kit, and blanket. For more emergency preparedness information please visit menlopark.gov/emergency-preparedness.

Please do not call 9-1-1 unless there is an imminent threat to life or other serious emergency. Let’s weather this storm out safely and responsibly.

Flood insurance information

Mandatory flood insurance may be required based on your property's location. Visit our flood insurance webpage for more information.  

 

Contact us

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.)


Social media updates

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter


Know Your Zone

Evacuation zone information


Menlo Park Fire Protection District

Non-emergency
650-688-8400

Related Information

Back to top