Full Notification

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ADVISORY FOR NORTHERN CALIFORNIA 

The National Weather Service cautions that another Atmospheric River event will bring heavier rain to the Bay Area early Saturday and again Saturday night, with a return of flooding concerns as the wet weather continues. Several more inches of rain are expected on top of already extremely saturated soils. Rain rates will exacerbate flooding concerns. Given the saturated soils and recent rains, we can expect rapid responses on all streams and creeks, with quick rises on the mainstem rivers, resulting in widespread flooding. This system will result in an increased risk of mudslides, and debris flows across the region. Strong, gusty winds are possible. This pattern looks to continue, with another, likely stronger, Atmospheric River event on the horizon for Monday just past the current forecast period. 

LOS ALTOS CREEK ADVISORIES 

The boardwalk at the Redwood Grove Nature Preserve that crosses Adobe Creek will remain closed as we experience heavy rainfall. Residents are advised to avoid Adobe Creek, Stevens Creek, Permanente Creek, and Hale Creek, as the water levels are high and there are fast-moving currents. These currents are visible to the eye and also flowing deceptively fast underneath the surface: do not approach any creek at this time. With rain expected to continue through next week, there is a possibility of local flooding.   

WHOM TO CALL 

• Report downed power lines immediately by calling 911 and then PG&E at (800) 743-5002. 

• Report storm-related hazards—street flooding, fallen trees/limbs, plugged storm drains, traffic signal outages, and fallen street signs—to the Maintenance Services Division at (650) 947-2785. After-hours calls should be directed to the Police Department’s 24/7 non-emergency line at (650) 947-2770. 

• Report outages in your home or neighborhood to PG&E at 24/7 line at (800) 743-5002. 

• Always call 911 if you are injured, in danger, or in an emergency. 

HOW TO PREPARE FOR THIS WEEKEND'S STORM 

• If you have flood-prone areas around your home, consider stocking up on sandbags. Sandbags are available at the City's self-serve station located in the parking lot of McKenzie Park at 707 Fremont Avenue. Bags, sand, and shovels are available at the station 24 hours a day. 
• Turn Around, Don't Drown® - If you need to drive, be extra cautious and slow down. Avoid walking or driving through flood waters; just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down and 2 feet of water can sweep away your vehicle. 
• During a power outage, use battery-operated flashlights, not candles, due to fire risk.
• If you have a telephone system that requires electricity to work, plan to have a standard telephone or cell phone ready as a backup. If only a mobile device is available, ensure that all mobile devices are charged in advance of possible power outages. 
• Freeze plastic containers filled with water to make blocks of ice that can be placed in your refrigerator/freezer during an outage to prevent foods from spoiling. 
• Secure outdoor furniture to minimize potential property damage and/or overhead power line damage due to high winds. 
• Customers with standby electric generators should make sure they are properly installed by a licensed electrician in a well-ventilated area. Improperly installed generators pose a significant danger to customers and power line crews. If using portable generators, be sure they are in a well-ventilated area. 
• If you experience an outage, unplug or turn off all electrical appliances to avoid overloading circuits and to prevent fire hazards when power is restored. 
• If possible, residents are encouraged to rake and remove any leaves or debris away from their street grates to prevent potential flooding.  

HOW TO RECEIVE EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS 

• AlertSCC provides community members with critical information on emergencies and disasters happening in their local area. Register at www.AlertSCC.org. 

• Nixle provides community members with emergency alerts and community messages from the Los Altos Police Department. Register by texting your zip code to 888777 or on Nixle's website. 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES  

• City of Los Altos: Emergency Preparedness https://www.losaltosca.gov/police/page/emergency-preparedness 
• ​​​​​​National Weather Service Forecast: San Francisco Bay Area, CA - https://www.weather.gov/mtr/
• National Weather Service Forecast: Los Altos, CA - https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=37.383080000000064&lon=-122.11422999999996#.Y7iqYOzMJSO
• County of Santa Clara Office of Emergency Management: Flood Safety - https://emergencymanagement.sccgov.org/residents/flood-safety
• Valley Water: What to do Before, During, and After a Flood - https://www.valleywater.org/flooding-safety/flood-ready
• FEMA’s Evacuation Readiness Program: What to do Before, During, and After Evacuation - https://www.ready.gov/evacuation

JANUARY 4-5 STORM SUMMARY 
High winds and heavy rain led to multiple fallen trees and branches and downed power lines, causing blocked roadways and a small fire. Trees and branches were cleared by the City’s Maintenace Services Division, and the fire was extinguished by Santa Clara County Fire. The fire caused no damage. 

A significant power failure impacted homes within the Loyola Corners and El Monte/Foothill areas. Smaller outages were reported throughout Los Altos. PG&E continues to work on restoring power.  

The City’s Emergency Operations Center was activated on Wednesday, January 4, and has since been deactivated. Staff across the City is working around the clock, monitoring weather conditions to ensure a safe and swift response to these storm events. The City is also working closely with local jurisdictions and the County to respond to storm-related issues.