JANUARY 9, 2023
10 A.M. UPDATE
CURRENT CONDITIONS
The latest significant storm is upon us. Despite a marked rise in creek levels earlier this morning, the current estimate and observed creek flow predict the highest flow around 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. today at a level that will NOT result in flooding, though staff are actively monitoring conditions. Power outages due to downed trees or wind remain a possibility throughout the day. Staff are prepared to respond as needed to incidents caused by this storm; please be patient as they will be balancing emergency response needs. The City recommends that you stay off the roads as much as possible. For the latest forecast from the National Weather Service, visit www.weather.gov/mtr.
New storm-related Frequently Asked Questions on website. We’ve compiled answers to a list of storm-related Frequently Asked Questions, which can be viewed at www.cityofpaloalto.org/StormFAQs. Topics include how to use Palo Alto flood maps to evaluate risk and how the City will notify the community about evacuations, should those become necessary at some future point.
Watch a short video to educate yourself about the City’s stages of flood warnings. The City created a short video that shares the four stages of an inclement weather event where there is a potential risk of flooding in Palo Alto: Monitoring, Flood Watch, Flood Warning, and Evacuation. We are currently in the Monitoring phase. Watch the video on the City’s YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/fdE9XDII6Lk.
Parking regulations temporarily suspended. While we’re not currently anticipating flooding, residents in flood-prone areas are welcome to move cars to a safer location. Options to park include surface lots in Downtown. Residential preferential parking (RPP) programs and timed parking regulations are temporarily suspended during the storm.
Gain real-time updates on storm impacts and stay informed on potential emergency alerts and warnings. Get real-time notifications from the City via Twitter, Facebook, Nextdoor, and the Police Department’s Nixle feed. Receive emergency alerts via SCC Alert. Click here to connect. Track creek water levels at www.cityofpaloalto.org/creekmonitor. Track power outages at www.cityofpaloalto.org/outagemap.
Consider using the hashtag #PaloAltoStorm. 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.
STREET CLOSURES IN EFFECT
- West Bayshore Road between Fabian Way and Loma Verde Avenue is closed due to flooding.
- East Bayshore Road at Elwell Court is closed due to flooding.
All other roadways are currently open.
MORE RESOURCES ON PREPARING FOR THIS STORM
For more information on resources on how to get ready for this storm, what to expect if evacuations become necessary, and to view answers to frequently asked questions about the storms, visit www.cityofpaloalto.org/floodalert.
