JANUARY 10, 2023
12:45 P.M. UPDATE
CURRENT CONDITIONS
Current forecast: more rain on the way. Per the National Weather Service, you can expect showers for the next few hours, with thunderstorms possible, and then some dry skies until rain returns tomorrow morning. Flood risk remains low, though staff will remain in a monitoring capacity. Windy conditions will persist throughout much of the day, bringing a continued chance of wind-related issues including potential power outages. More storms are headed our way later this week, so check out resources on our website to prepare. While these future storms are potentially less significant than those we’ve already experienced, it’s important to remain vigilant and aware of the forecasts, as conditions can change rapidly. For the latest forecast from the National Weather Service, visit www.weather.gov/mtr.
Power outage update. Overnight and early this morning, staff restored power to approximately 4,500 customers who lost power due to a couple of storm-related power outages. The most significant one was caused by a lightning strike at 2:14 a.m. that struck a tree near Grove Avenue; the tree split and fell into power lines. Crews restored power to the vast majority of affected customers within two hours and completed restorations to the rest later in the morning. With today’s windy conditions, staff remain ready to respond to any new storm-related outages that may occur. Track power outages at www.cityofpaloalto.org/outagemap.
City Manager provided a storm response briefing at last night’s City Council meeting. The briefing shared details about the City’s continued response to the recent series of storms and their impact to the community. Watch the City Manager's briefing recording and learn more here.
Foothills Nature Preserve is closed today. Foothills Nature Preserve is closed today, while staff are assessing conditions with the hope that it can be safely re-opened tomorrow. For the most current status of the preserve, including trails that will continue to be closed until repairs can be made safely, visit www.CityofPaloAlto.org/FoothillsNaturePreserve.
Street sweeping remains critical during this time to support storm drain system. Proactive sweeping efforts help to keep the storm drains clear, reducing the likelihood of flooding or ponding during periods of heavy rain. Please be mindful of your street sweeping day and move your car.
Reminders:
- 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. As a reminder: 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
All roadways are currently open.
MORE RESOURCES ON PREPARING FOR FUTURE STORMS
For more information on resources on how to get ready for future storms, what to expect if evacuations become necessary, and to view answers to frequently asked questions about the storms, visit www.cityofpaloalto.org/floodalert.
