Significant storm predicted to bring high winds and rain; prepare now

Published on January 03, 2023

Get the latest updates at menlopark.gov/stormupdate

A significant storm is expected to hit our area starting Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 4, through early Thursday morning, Jan. 5, based on National Weather Service predictions. This storm will bring additional rain that will compound the already saturated soil from last weekend’s heavy rain event which brought areas of 6-8 inches to the Santa Cruz Mountains and saw San Francisco receive its second highest 24-hour rainfall on record.

Heavy rain and high winds

A Flood Watch is in effect from 4 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 4, to 4 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 5.

In addition, this event will include very high winds of 20-40 miles per hour with gusts of 50-60 miles per hour. The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning from 4 a.m, Wednesday, Jan. 4, to 10 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 5. There is a high risk for downed trees and powerlines. Travel will be difficult.

This will mainly be a nighttime event with the heaviest rain arriving Wednesday evening and before dawn on Thursday, with the primary flood risk occurring after dark. Crews will be monitoring water levels and equipment will be pre-positioned near the creek to facilitate quick response, but residents are urged to remain alert.

Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop. Residents are encouraged to use today to prepare for the storm.

Get prepared

1. Make a plan
2. Ensure you are connected to receive the proper notifications (such as SMC Alert, City news updates, and social media) for both work and home locations
3. Figure out your household communications plan
4. Know Your Zone for evacuations
5. Consider specific needs of your household to help make sure it is ready:

• Necessities like food, water and medications are stocked
• Your home is protected as best as possible from storm effects such as flooding and wind by placing sandbags
• Have your vehicle and emergency kit are ready to go, if needed  

Residents who live near flood-prone areas are encouraged to move their vehicle a block or two from the threatened area, if possible. All residents are encouraged to avoid parking near storm drains or inlets where vehicle tires or other debris may obstruct water flow.

Sandbags

Residents can pick up sand and empty bags at the following locations. *Please remember to bring a shovel.

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

Storm drains

If you have a storm drain inlet near your home in the street, consider using a rake and clearing any nearby debris (leaves, tree branches, etc.) that may have accumulated around or over the grate. If possible, please place organic matter into your compost bins. This will help reduce ponding on our roadways for the next storm.

Stay informed of current and forecast conditions

• Monitor changes in the weather forecast. Follow the National Weather Service updates.
• Get notifications from the City via SMC Alert, Twitter, Facebook and Nextdoor. View all of our social media channels. 
• For other ways to be storm-ready, visit our website at menlopark.gov/storms. 
• To monitor creek water levels online, visit menlopark.gov/creeklevels.  

Ways to help

We are stronger as a community when we help those around us and work together during times of adversity. If your home is safe from flooding and you’d now like to help others, here are some suggestions for what you could do: 

• Check on your neighbors. Offer your assistance, particularly to those who may be elderly or infirm. Offer to help get them sandbags for their home if needed. Ensure they have a way to get current information on potential flooding or commit to them that you will monitor current information and share it with them when needed. Ensure they know they can call 9-1-1 if they need emergency assistance. 
• Help pack sandbags. Until we able to provide filled sandbags at the sandbag stations, there are empty bags and loose sand. It may be hard for some people to use a shovel to fill their own sandbags, or to load them into their vehicle. If you feel like helping to shovel sand and load vehicles, head to one of the sandbag stations and see if anyone there needs assistance.
• Check and help clear storm drains in your neighborhood. If you have a storm drain inlet near your home in the street, consider using a rake and clearing any debris (leaves, tree branches, etc.) that may have accumulated over the grate. If possible, please place organic matter into your compost bins. This will help reduce ponding on our roadways for the next storm. Encourage your friends in other neighborhoods to do the same thing. 

Report issues promptly

• For blocked storm drains, sink holes, landslides, levee damage and fallen trees, call Public Works at 650-330-6780 weekdays from 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. and at 650-330-6300 after hours. 
• For gas leaks and power outages, call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 and check their outage map online.
• For sewer problems, call West Bay Sanitary District at 650-321-0384.

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.