Full Notification

Happy New Year! Today’s weather brings a welcome brief respite in the storm systems. Please be aware that more storms are headed our way. Take precautions now for additional weather events. 

CURRENT CONDITIONS 

Staff are continuously monitoring water levels in our creeks. Flood risk remains low at this time, but a series of storms will be impacting the Bay Area beginning tomorrow and lasting for several days. The next large storm, which is currently forecast to arrive on Wednesday, January 4, is anticipated to be potentially more significant than the rain event we experienced yesterday.  

City crews are actively cleaning up and addressing the problems caused by yesterday’s storm. Several street sweepers are driving through the City today to remove debris from gutters and inlets. 

Creek sensors were damaged in the storm. The Creek Monitor webpage (www.cityofpaloalto.org/creekmonitor) provides helpful information during a storm to track water levels. Staff are actively working to troubleshoot problems with the sensors at both the Chaucer Street bridge and Waverley Street. The sensor at Chaucer Street was damaged by moving debris, while the network that serves the Waverley Street sensor was damaged. If possible, staff will fix both sensors prior to the arrival of the next large storm. 

STREET CLOSURES IN EFFECT 

El Camino Real remains flooded and closed in both directions under University Avenue. Please take alternate routes. At this time, the time of re-opening El Camino Real is unknown. 

All other roadways are open. 

REPORT DAMAGE & HOW TO RECEIVE SUPPORT 

For residents who have flood damage to their homes, please e-mail the City at [email protected] and include the following information: 

• First and last name 

• Mobile phone number 

• Whether or not you have flood insurance coverage 

• A brief description of the damage: did water get inside your home? What is the extent of damage to your home? 

Staff will follow-up with these residents. The City has established a process to offer three nights of hotel accommodations at select hotels for those who we confirm have been displaced from their homes as a result of flooding. Please use the same email above to request accommodations. 

Due to resource limitations, the City is unable to assist with pumping water out of homes or basements. Please contact your home insurance company to determine what assistance they may be able to provide or recommend. 

If you are taking photos of water damage to your home, consider including something in the photo to show proper perspective and document the depth of the water (for example, a measuring tape or a piece of furniture). This may help you accurately document damage for your home insurance company. 

PREPARE FOR THE NEXT STORM 

There are several rain events anticipated over the next 10 days. Residents in flood risk areas should take precautions and prepare now to safeguard your home as much as possible, particularly if your neighborhood experienced flooding during yesterday’s event. 

• Sandbags. Sandbag supplies (bags and loose sand) are currently available at all three sandbag stations in the City. Some City-provided shovels are available for your use, but you may want to bring your own shovel. The three sandbag stations are located at: Rinconada Tennis Courts (at the corner of Newell Road and Hopkins Avenue), Mitchell Park (600 East Meadow Drive), Palo Alto Airport Terminal (1925 Embarcadero Road) 

• Storm drains. 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.

• Stay informed of current and forecast conditions. Monitor changes in the weather forecast. Get notifications from the City via SCC Alert, Twitter, Facebook, Nextdoor, and the Police Department’s Nixle feed. Click here to connect.  

For other ways to be storm-ready, visit our website at www.cityofpaloalto.org/storms.  

To monitor creek water levels and learn about other resources, visit our website at www.cityofpaloalto.org/creekmonitor  

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 with shovels. 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 three sandbag stations and see if anyone there needs assistance. See Palo Alto locations above. 

• Clear storm drains. 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 to the City promptly.

• For blocked storm drains, sink holes, landslides, levee damage, and fallen trees, call Palo Alto Public Works at (650) 496-6974 on weekdays from 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. and (650) 329-2413 after hours.  

• For gas leaks and sewer spills, call Palo Alto Utilities Water, Gas, Wastewater Operations at (650) 329-2579. 

• For power outages and electrical problems, call Palo Alto Utilities Electric Operations at (650) 496-6914.

STAY SAFE – REMINDERS 

Please do your best to stay safe during adverse weather events. Here are some safety reminders: 

• Driving. Please slow down in adverse weather and allow for extra braking distance. Do NOT drive into areas of standing water, as you will not know how deep the water is, or what the condition of the roadway is underneath the water. You may become stranded and then require rescue. 

• Stay away from creeks. Do NOT approach San Francisquito Creek or other area creeks; the creek banks could be unstable and give way. Do NOT approach areas of running water, even on streets. Running water can be exceptionally strong. 

• Only call 9-1-1 in emergencies. Do NOT call 9-1-1 unless there is an imminent threat to life or another serious emergency. Unnecessary 9-1-1 calls detract from our ability to promptly dispatch first responders to legitimate emergencies. 

• Do NOT remove manhole covers. That will not help drain water off of roadways and instead will create a dangerous condition for pedestrians and motorists alike. 

STAY INFORMED 

Stay apprised of current and forecast conditions. Monitor changes in the weather forecast. Get notifications from the City via SCC Alert, City of Palo Alto Twitter, Facebook, Nextdoor, and the Police Department’s Nixle feed. Click here to connect.  

Stay connected on social media. If you are posting storm-related photos and/or videos that were taken in Palo Alto on your social media accounts, please consider adding the hashtag #PaloAltoStorm to your post. This will provide an easy way for everyone on that platform, as well as the City, to share relevant Palo Alto-specific information with one another. Please note that the City will not be able to monitor that hashtag in real-time, and that any emergencies requiring a City response should be reported via 9-1-1 and NOT social media.