Jan. 5 , afternoon update
Although rain and wind continued throughout the overnight and morning hours, Menlo Park faired well overall during this storm. Staff monitored creek level sensors but waters never rose near flood stage.
Public Works crews worked throughout night and were able respond to approximately 45 storm-related service calls including 12 downed trees, numerous branch and tree limbs down in traffic lanes, clogged storm drains and temporary surface flooding at several intersections.
The public safety communications and 911 dispatch center in the Police Department received a little of 100 storm-related calls, mostly reporting surface street and intersection flooding, tree or branches down, vehicle hazards/breakdowns or requesting other information.
Leading up to and during this storm event, Public Works distributed more than 220 tons of sand for sandbags for residents at the two primary sandbag stations and the temporary pop-up location.
Staff from multiple departments worked throughout the day and night, some on assignments much different than their normal day-to-day work, to assist the community and our residents. We had city hall staff providing assistance at sandbag stations, engineering staff helping with creek monitoring and storm drain debris removal, and representatives from every department serving in the City's Emergency Operations Center coordinating the overall response.
We are very grateful to the residents who heeded the calls to prepare in advance, to get their sandbags early, to stay off the roads when the storm was at its worst, and to sign up for emergency and non-emergency notifications so that we can get messages to you when needed.
Local emergency declaration ratified by the City Council
Acknowledging, what we've been through since the Dec. 31, 2022, storm, this week's event and the additional storms predicted through mid-month, City Manager Justin Murphy, in his role as the Director of Emergency Services for the City of Menlo Park, has signed a proclamation declaring a local state of emergency. His declaration was ratified Thursday evening, Jan. 5, during an emergency city council meeting and approved unanimously. The meeting video is available to view on the City's YouTube channel.
This follows an earlier emergency declaration by Governor Gavin Newsom at the state level and by the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors earlier this week. The local declarations makes the County and City eligible for reimbursement for costs incurred during emergency response to the current storms.
Planning for the next storm
The City is already monitoring and planning ahead for the next storm, with more rain and wind in the forecast for later this weekend and into Monday and next week.
Sandbag stations will be replenished and staffing plans are being made to provide coverage for this upcoming storm event.
For now, continue to take steps to prepare yourself, your family, your home, your vehicle, your emergency kit, etc.
Jan. 5, 12 a.m. update
The flood risk is low, but rain will continue to fall overnight and through to the morning hours. Staff will continue to monitor the San Francisquito Creek levels overnight and continue to work across the city to address surface level flooding issues, clear storm drains and address any downed trees.
A High Wind Warning remains in effect until 10 a.m, Thursday morning with the possibility of additional tree or powerline damage. You can follow the latest National Weather Service updates on its website.
Report fallen trees to to 650-330-6300 overnight (after hours) and to 650-330-6780 from 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
For downed power lines, or if you suspect another emergency situation, leave the area immediately and call 9-1-1. Then, call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.
Crews will assess the sandbag stations again in the morning, as we plan and prepare for additional storms forecast to arrive in the coming days.