Flooding Alert: San Francisquito Creek and the Atherton Channel

Published on December 31, 2022

8:30 p.m. update

Creek conditions

• Flood risk is still high. The National Weather Service flood warning expired as of 8:15 p.m., but the community is encouraged maintain heightened awareness as more rain is in the forecast later this week and residents should remain alert for local flood risks. 
• Staff is monitoring the San Francisquito Creek and water levels at Pope Chaucer Bridge.
• Heavy winds can impact conditions further with debris affecting the creek and surrounding areas.
• You can monitor creek levels online at menlopark.gov/creeklevels.

Road conditions

• Roads that drain to the San Francisquito Creek, including El Camino Real, Alma Street, Laurel Street and Middlefield Road continue to experience surface flooding when the creek levels are high. This should improve as drainage improves.
• Haven Avenue at Marsh Road/Bayfront Expressway can experiencing surface flooding due to the Atherton Channel. Exercise caution and avoid driving through standing water or flooded roadways. 
• Many other surface streets and intersections throughout the city may also experience temporary surface flooding.
• Please stay home and avoid driving, if possible, until roads clear.

Prepare for the next rain event

Another storm is expected by Jan. 4–5, based on National Weather Service predictions. Additionally, there are several more rainstorms anticipated over the next 10 days. Residents in flood risk areas should take precautions and prepare now. 

• Get notifications from the city: SMC Alert, Social media, City news alerts
• Get additional tips and resources at menlopark.gov/storms
• Monitor the San Francisquito Creek levels online at menlopark.gov/creeklevels 
• Sandbags are available at two self-service sandbag stations: menlopark.gov/sandbags
  
  • Place sandbags by entrances to homes, raise valuables from low to higher places in your home, make sure your vehicle is ready in case you need to evacuate.

Please do not call 9-1-1 unless there is an imminent threat to life or other serious emergency. Please consider texting the city at 650-679-7022 or calling the non-emergency line at 650-330-6300, if after-hours.