Storms and flooding

Storms and flooding: local resources

Find sandbags, check creek levels, report storm impacts, and prepare your household for heavy rain and power outages.

Immediate danger? Call 911. Stay away from floodwater and downed power lines.

Current updates and forecasts

Check the latest official information before traveling or visiting a temporary service location.

Weather:National Weather Service Bay Area forecasts and warnings.
City updates:City of Menlo Park website and official City social media channels.
Emergency notifications:Sign up for SMC Alert or update your information.
Power outages:View PG&E's outage map.
Road conditions:Check Bay Area traffic alerts.

Older notices appear in the storm update archive. Their forecasts, closures, and service availability apply to the dates listed.

Free sandbags for residents

The City provides sand and empty bags to help residents prepare for heavy rain. Bring a shovel to fill your bags.

Permanent stations: year-round locations

Burgess Park parking lot: Alma Street and Burgess Drive.
Menlo Park Fire Station No. 77: 1467 Chilco St.

Temporary station: confirm activation before visiting

Pope Street Island: 222 Laurel Ave. This additional location is used during heavy rain events and is not a year-round station.

Learn how to fill, place, reuse, and dispose of sandbags.

Creek and channel water levels

San Francisquito Creek:View creek levels and cameras from the City of Palo Alto.
Atherton Channel:View the OneShoreline sensor upstream of Caltrain.

Check each monitor's timestamp. Water-level readings provide information about conditions; follow official alerts and evacuation instructions when deciding what action to take.

Report flooding, damage, or outages

Immediate threats to life, downed power lines, or other emergencies: Call 911.
Flooding, blocked storm drains, fallen trees, or other Public Works concerns: Call 650-330-6740 during business hours.
After-hours City assistance: Call police non-emergency dispatch at 650-330-6300.
Non-emergency maintenance requests:Submit a request through ACT Menlo Park. Call for urgent hazards; do not rely on an online request for immediate help.
Debris or other non-emergency concerns in San Francisquito Creek:Report a concern to the San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority.
PG&E power outages: Call 1-800-743-5002 or report an outage online.

When reporting a problem, provide the location and a brief description. Include photographs only if you can take them safely.

Before a storm: know your risk and prepare

Check your property's flood exposure

Use the San Mateo County GIS hazard risk map to explore mapped hazards near your home or business. This planning tool does not show current storm conditions.

Prepare your household

Keep emergency supplies, including drinking water, nonperishable food, flashlights, batteries, and medications.
Plan how household members will communicate and where you will go if you need to evacuate.
Include mobility, medical equipment, language, and pet needs in your plan.
Ask neighbors whether they would like a check-in or other help. Sharing personal information is voluntary.
Charge phones and backup batteries, and plan for power outages.
Subscribe to the City's Weekly Digest for routine City news and preparedness information. Use SMC Alert for emergency notifications.

Protect your property

Secure outdoor furniture and other items that could blow away.
Clear leaves and debris from nearby storm drains only when safe, without entering traffic or floodwater. Put leaves in your green organics cart.
Place sandbags at low entry points before heavy rain begins.
Move valuables and important documents to a higher, dry location when safe.
Discuss long-term drainage, floodproofing and utility improvements with qualified professionals before making changes.

Learn about flood insurance and review flood preparedness guidance.

During a storm: stay safe

Monitor official weather alerts and follow evacuation instructions.
Avoid unnecessary travel and outdoor activity.
Never walk or drive into floodwater. Turn around and choose another route.
Stay away from downed power lines and anything touching them. Call 911.
Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or you are standing in water.

If you must drive

Check road conditions, tires, headlights and windshield wipers before leaving.
Use headlights in rain, slow down and leave extra following distance.
Obey road closures and give emergency vehicles room to pass.
Treat a dark traffic signal as a stop sign and proceed carefully when safe.
Keep emergency supplies in your vehicle, including water, a flashlight, a first aid kit and a blanket.

Prepare for and manage power outages

Keep phones and portable chargers charged.
Have flashlights, spare batteries and some cash available.
Learn how to open your garage door manually before an outage.
Keep enough fuel or battery charge in your vehicle for an evacuation.
Plan ahead for equipment or medications that depend on electricity.

Read the City's power outage preparedness guidance.

After a storm: assess damage safely

Wait for safe conditions before inspecting property or clearing debris.
Avoid standing water, unstable trees, damaged buildings, and downed utility lines.
Watch for slippery surfaces, broken glass, nails, and other debris.
Have a qualified professional check flood-damaged electrical equipment before use.
If you suspect a gas leak, leave the area and call 911 from a safe location, then PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.
Report damage and check on neighbors when it is safe to do so.

To help your neighborhood prepare, explore Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and other emergency preparedness training through the Menlo Park Fire Protection District.