Storm Readiness Reminders: Three Questions Answered

Before the 2023–2024 storm season began, the City hosted an interactive workshop at the Palo Alto Art Center for residents to gain tips about storm preparedness. Attendees connected with staff on topics from creek monitoring, what to expect during a flood and ways to get storm ready at home to reporting community impacts, gaining tree help and support, and staying informed before, during and after a storm.

The following community update offers storm readiness reminders by answering three top questions, and details more online resources to continue to be storm ready through the winter/rain season.

In case you missed it: Read a two-part update on ways the City continues to prepare and tools for the community to be prepared for the winter storm season.

• Part 1: City Storm Prep Continues — Be Storm Ready (Oct. 20, 2023)
• Part 2: We’ve got you Covered to Weather the Upcoming Storms (Nov. 2, 2023)

What are the Latest Developments in City Storm Preparedness?

Between November and March, portions of Palo Alto face a high potential risk of flooding, especially from the San Francisquito Creek along the City’s northern border, and from the San Francisco Bay as well as Matadero, Adobe, and Barron Creeks. The City’s Public Works Department is helping residents battle this issue with creek monitoring and flood mitigation projects.

Creek Monitoring

Creek Cameras and Other Creek Monitoring Tools

The City’s Public Works Department recently installed a camera near the Pope/Chaucer bridge that, along with the W. Bayshore Road camera, can help the City and residents monitor water levels if the creek sensor is damaged during a large storm event. The team also installed an additional catch basin on Dana Avenue/Alester Avenue and continuing to evaluate additional actions to minimize flooding risk. The storm drain system is being studied for capacity and connections.

View the water levels of Palo Alto creeks in real time and check out the Creek Monitor graphic, which outlines the individual creek configurations. Learn about flood risk by viewing flood maps, available at www.cityofpaloalto.org/storms.

Flood Mitigation Projects

• The City team has reserved an excavator to be stationed at the Pope/Chaucer bridge for the duration of the winter season in case they need to quickly remove debris during a heavy rain flow. The City of East Palo Alto will also stage an excavator further downstream on University Avenue.
• The City Council recently awarded a storm drain construction contract to Golden Bay Construction, Inc. that addresses the Corporation Way System Upgrades and Pump Station, West Bayshore Road Pump Station, and West Bayshore Road Trunk Line, as well as other improvements which will help better drain and convey storm runoff.
• The Palo Alto Horizontal Levee Pilot Project, located on the shore of Harbor Marsh in the Palo Alto Baylands, is the first horizontal levee to be built in the San Francisco Bay that will beneficially reuse treated wastewater for irrigation.
• Work on the Newell Bridge Replacement Project continues, which includes an overhaul of the obsolete bridge which, when complete by late 2025, will significantly improve water flow.

How do I stay informed & volunteer to support my neighbors?

Sign up for emergency alerts & updates

• Sign up to receive emergency alerts by signing up at AlertSCC.org. Follow the City’s social media channels to gain real time information.
• Text your zip code to 888777 to receive Police Department Nixle alerts. Sign up for the City’s Uplift Local newsletter for the latest City updates and storm related updates during storm season.

Bookmark the Storm Update web page for helpful information during a storm event

• During storm events, stay up to date with current weather conditions at www.cityofpaloalto.org/StormUpdate.
• Find other helpful resources to prepare in advance of the storm season.

Help your neighbors and neighborhood

One of the most significant ways to make an impact is to help your neighbors in need before, during and after an emergency.

• Take the lead in cleaning any debris from your neighborhood storm drains and add it to your green waste bin.
• Call our Pollution Hotline at 650–329–2943 or 1–888–510–5151 if you see someone dumping in storm drains or creeks. Find resources to report other hazards, such as downed power lines, fallen trees, gas leaks and more to the City here.
• Learn about becoming a Neighborhood Preparedness Coordinator (NPC), who helps neighbors be more resilient by preparing them prior to a potential weather or other disaster. Find out about training sessions here.
• Check out Youth Community Service (YCS), which actively works with Palo Alto and East Palo Alto youth and community leaders to engage in a wide range of public service projects, including last year, supporting neighbors in need before and during storm events. You can reach out to YCS if you are interested in helping fill sandbags, deliver sandbags or if you need help or support during a storm event.

What happens during a flood event?

Learn the various flood stages so you know what action to take and when, from monitoring and flood watches to storm warnings and evacuations.

Photo by Firmbee.com on Unsplash

More Online Resources

Be Storm Ready

Find the latest storm updates, sandbag locations and how to clear storm drains near your home.

Track Conditions

• View the National Weather Service’s Bay Area weather forecast
• View the California Nevada River Forecast Center’s San Francisquito Creek River Level Probabilities
• For other weather tracking tools, go to www.cityofpaloalto.org/creekmonitor
• Palo Alto Power Outages Map
• Caltrans Road Conditions Map

Connect in an Emergency

• Report an issue with Palo Alto 311
• Contact the City of Palo Alto Emergency Public Information Recorded Line at 650–329–2420
• Follow the City of Palo Alto via social media including Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor and more.

Download an Emergency Preparedness Flyer

Report Storm Related Community Impacts

• Report blocked storm drains, sink holes, landslides, levee damage, and fallen trees to Palo Alto Public Works. Call (650) 496–6974 on weekdays from 7 a.m. — 4 p.m. and (650) 329–2413 after hours.
• Report gas leaks, sewer spills to Palo Alto Utilities Water, Gas, Wastewater Operations at (650) 329–2579.
• Report power outages & electrical problems to Palo Alto Utilities Electric Operations at (650) 496–6914.