Here's an update on current conditions. Please be aware that more storms are headed our way. Take precautions now for these upcoming 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 this week 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 on Saturday.
City crews are continuing to clean up and address the problems caused by Saturday's storm, as well as prepare for the upcoming storms. Crews are continuing to work on removing mud and debris from affected streets near San Francisquito Creek, which will help get the storm drain system ready for the next storm.
City staff are also continuing to assess flood damage to homes from Saturday’s storm. Please use caution with home appliances (particularly water heaters and furnaces) that may have been exposed to flood water and may need to be serviced by a qualified service provider or replaced. Information on how to obtain City building permits to replace this equipment can be found here.
Staff is continuing to troubleshoot problems with the sensors that feed information to the Creek Monitor webpage (www.cityofpaloalto.org/creekmonitor) at both the Chaucer Street bridge and Waverley Street. Both sensors received damage during Saturday’s storm. Staff hopes to be able to fix them 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 continue to take alternate routes. The time of re-opening El Camino Real remains unknown. As El Camino Real is a state-owned roadway, the City is coordinating with CalTrans as they have primary jurisdiction. City crews are prioritizing work that prepares the storm drainage system for the coming storm later this week.
All other roadways are open.
REPORT DAMAGE & HOW TO RECEIVE SUPPORT
Steps to report damage. 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.
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.
Pumping water out of homes. 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.
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.
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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.
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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.
For more information
