Storm preparedness

Published on January 11, 2023

Burgess-Park-sandbag-station.jpg

Please keep your sandbags ready

If you currently have sandbags, please do not dispose of them until additional storms have completely passed. A series of storms is forecasted to hit the Bay Area this month. Rain is forecast almost daily through at least the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday. Flood risk is expected to remain low during this time.

Visit the National Weather Service for the latest weather forecast information.

Free sandbags available

If you are a Menlo Park resident in need of sandbags, you can get them at the City's two primary sandbag stations and the temporary pop-up station:

To prepare for storms

Report issues promptly

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.

Jan. 10 update

Jan. 10 update

Early morning thunderstorms brought additional rain, small hail, high winds, 7 downed trees and power outages. PG&E is responding to several outages in our area and you can see the latest using their online outage map. Public Works crews are working to clear additional downed branches and debris throughout the city.

Intermittent showers are expected to continue throughout Tuesday, Jan. 10, with a Wind Advisory and Flood Watch both remaining in effect until 4 p.m. Flood risk at San Francisquito Creek and Atherton Channel is expected to remain low today. Creek banks are saturated and the risk for soil instability and unexpected collapse remains high. Please observe the creek from a safe distance and monitor creek levels online at menlopark.gov/creeklevels.

Visit the National Weather Service for the latest weather forecast information.

Belle Haven Child Development Center closure due to power outage

The Belle Haven Child Development Center experienced a power outage this morning and power restoration timeline is unknown. Parents have been notified to pick up their children. The center will be closed for the rest of today and hopes to reopen at its regular time, tomorrow, Wednesday, Jan. 11.

Sandbags

If you currently have sandbags, please do not dispose of them until additional storms have completely passed. A series of storms is forecasted to hit the Bay Area this month. Rain is forecast almost daily through at least the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday.

If you are a Menlo Park resident in need of sandbags, you can get them at the City's two primary sandbag stations and the temporary pop-up station:

To prepare for storms

Report issues promptly

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.

Jan. 9 update

Jan. 9 update

Rains are expected to begin to ease later this morning. Staff is closely monitoring water levels at both the San Francisquito Creek and the Atherton Channel. Water levels did rise quickly this morning following heavy rainfall in the surrounding watershed. Water levels are expected to peak in the next 1-2 hours and remain below flood stage, but residents should remain alert and ready should conditions change. Visit the National Weather Service for the latest forecast information.

Equipment is stationed at the Pope-Chaucer bridge and removing debris from the creek to keep water flowing. As a reminder, even though water may approach the top of the bridge underpass, there is still several more feet of capacity before any overtopping/flooding will occur. Staff is monitoring the creek in several locations, as well as water flow sensors and rain gauges further upstream. 

Inspectors are working to further assess the creek banks for erosion and stability. Please do not enter blocked off areas or approach the creek edge. Additional areas along the entire length of the creek banks may pose hazards, so please observe the creek from a safe distance and monitor creek levels online at menlopark.gov/creeklevels.

Sandbags

If you currently have sandbags, please do not dispose of them until additional storms have completely passed. A series of storms is forecasted to hit the Bay Area this month. 

If you are a Menlo Park resident in need of sandbags, you can get them at the City's two primary sandbag stations and the temporary pop-up station:

To prepare for storms

Report issues promptly

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.

Jan. 8 update

Jan. 8 update

Tonight, flood risk is expected to remain low, and staff will continue to monitor creek levels, but residents should maintain their preparedness. High winds could bring additional downed trees or cause power outages. Remember as soils become more saturated, it's easier for trees to fall. Please stay alert and stay safe! Report downed trees/large branches to our non-emergency line at 650-330-6300 over the weekend or after hours.

A Flood Watch is in effect until 4 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 10

A High Wind Warning is in effect until 10 a.m., Monday, Jan. 9

We continue to expect intermittent storms in the Bay Area for the next 10 days. Visit the National Weather Service for the latest forecast information.

Avoid unstable creek banks; soil can collapse unexpectedly

Following additional reports today of trees down along the creek and unstable soil near the top of creek banks, engineers inspected the San Francisquito Creek and determined the soil was unstable in places and posed a hazard. Teams will be out again on Monday, Jan. 9, to inspect the creek and its banks and will continue to monitor the situation.

Over the weekend additional areas along the 900 block of Woodland Avenue were blocked off with caution tape and no parking signs. Please do not enter these areas or approach the creek edge. Additional areas along the entire length of the creek banks may pose hazards, so please observe the creek from a safe distance and monitor creek levels online at menlopark.gov/creeklevels.

Sandbags

If you currently have sandbags, please do not dispose of them until additional storms have completely passed. A series of storms is forecasted to hit the Bay Area this month. 

If you are a Menlo Park resident in need of sandbags, you can get them at the City's two primary sandbag stations and the temporary pop-up station:

To prepare for storms

Report issues promptly

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.

Jan. 7 update

Jan. 7 update

City crews will be working Saturday and Sunday to clear additional downed tree branches/debris and complete further storm preparations. We continue to expect intermittent storms in the Bay Area for the next 10 days.

Moderate rain and wind with gusts of 40-60 mph are predicted to return, Saturday, Jan. 7, into Sunday, Jan. 8, with the heaviest likely arriving early Monday morning, Jan. 9.

A Flood Watch is in effect from 4 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 7, to 4 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 10

A Wind Advisory is in effect from 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, to 1 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 8

Visit the National Weather Service for the latest forecast information.

Avoid unstable creek banks; soil can collapse unexpectedly

Following additional reports today of trees down along the creek and unstable soil near the top of creek banks, engineers inspected the San Francisquito Creek and determined the soil was unstable in places and posed a hazard.

Additional areas along the 900 block of Woodland Avenue have been blocked off with caution tape and no parking signs. Please do not enter these areas or approach the creek edge. Additional areas along the entire length of the creek banks may pose hazards, so please observe the creek from a safe distance and monitor creek levels online at menlopark.gov/creeklevels.

Remember as soils become more saturated, it's easier for trees to fall. Please stay alert and stay safe! Report downed trees/large branches to our non-emergency line at 650-330-6300 over the weekend or after hours.

Sandbags

If you currently have sandbags, please do not dispose of them until additional storms have completely passed. A series of storms is forecasted to hit the Bay Area this month. 

If you are a Menlo Park resident in need of sandbags, you can get them at the City's two primary sandbag stations and the temporary pop-up station:

To prepare for storms

  • Subscribe to notifications from the City
  • Residents who live near flood-prone areas are encouraged to move their vehicle a block or two from the threatened area, if possible. Overnight parking enforcement is temporarily suspended through the weekend. All residents are encouraged to avoid parking near storm drains or inlets where vehicle tires or other debris may obstruct water flow.
  • Prepare for the chance of flooding if you live near the creek
  • Know Your Zone for evacuations
  • Pack a "go bag" to help evacuate quickly. Stock up on necessary medications. Have insurance information handy. Plan for your pets, too.
  • Have extra supplies at home in case roads are closed or power outages occur
  • Check on your neighbors and offer assistance, if you can. Help pack sandbags if someone needs a hand.
  • Check and help clear storm drains in your neighborhood. Consider using a rake and clearing any debris (leaves, twigs, etc.) that may have accumulated. Place organic matter into your compost bins. 

Report issues promptly

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.

Jan. 5 updates

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. 

Jan. 4 updates

Jan. 4, 6 p.m. update

The storm has arrived and is having major impacts to area roadways. Please stay in your homes and avoid driving, if possible.

The National Weather Service has upgraded the Flood Advisory to a Flood Warning for our area stating that "flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected."

In addition to heavy rain, gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.

Crews will be monitoring conditions throughout the night, including creek levels and street and tree conditions. The City's Emergency Operations Center is open and coordinating between crews out in the field, staff in the command center and partner agencies. 

Steps you can take

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.

Jan. 4, 1:30 p.m. update

A significant storm is expected to hit our area starting Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 4, with heaviest impacts arriving after 4 p.m and lasting through the evening.

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.

Heavy rain and high winds

The National Weather Service has issued:

  • A Flood Watch is in effect from 4 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 4, to 4 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 5.
  • High Wind Warning is in effect from 4 a.m, Wednesday, Jan. 4, to 10 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 5. High winds of 20-30 miles per hour with gusts of 40-50 miles per hour can be expected. There is a high risk for downed trees and powerlines.

Report fallen trees to 650-330-6780 from 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. and to 650-330-6300 after hours. 

For downed power lines, or suspect another emergency situation, leave the area immediately and call 9-1-1. Then, call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.

Driving and vehicles

Everyone who does not need to be out is urged to stay home later today.

  • Please stay off the roads, if at all possible.
  • If you must go out, please do not drive through standing water-it is nearly impossible to gauge how deep it is and vehicles are easily disabled.
  • If you must go out, please slow down and drive defensively.
  • Please remember, if stop lights are out or blinking, the intersection becomes a 4-way stop.

Parking and temporary suspension of overnight parking enforcement

  • All drivers are asked to avoid parking near or above storm drains and inlets. This is to allow enough room for crews to access the drains and clear debris during the storm event. 
  • Residents who live near flood-prone areas are encouraged to move their vehicle a block or two from the threatened area, if possible.
  • Overnight parking enforcement is temporarily suspended until 2 a.m., Friday, Jan. 13.

Get prepared

  1. Make a plan
  2. Ensure you are connected to receive the proper notifications (such as SMC AlertCity 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   

Sandbags

Over 11,000 sandbags have been distributed in preparation for this storm.

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

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 and subscribe to notifications and alerts

For other ways to be storm-ready, visit our website at menlopark.gov/storms

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

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.