Heavy rain forecast, potential for flooding through early Friday morning

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch from Wednesday, January 31 at 4 a.m. through Friday, February 2 at 4 a.m. and a Wind Advisory from Wednesday, January 31 at 4 a.m. through Thursday, February 1 at 4 a.m. Minor flooding of streams and roadways is expected along with the potential for downed trees and power outages.

Another storm system is forecast to arrive Sunday, February 4.

Prepare now: Residents impacted by water pooling in neighborhood streets or flooding last year, should consider preparing now. Sign-up for emergency alerts, pick up sandbags, and prepare for the storms in advance.

Continue to monitor conditions: The City will continue to monitor forecasts and conditions, and staff is ready to respond should conditions change.

In preparation for the storm, City teams are:
• Clearing storm drains
• Monitoring sand bag stations to ensure that residents have access to sand and bags
• Monitoring rainfall forecasts and San Francisquito Creek and Atherton Channel water levels
• Preparing to keep libraries open late in the event of power outages
• Coordinating with neighboring cities, the San Francisquito Creek JPA, and partners to align preparations and response

In addition:
• Pump stations are fueled and in working order
• Emergency generators are fueled in case of power outages
• Traffic control equipment is staged in areas that are prone to flooding

Check online at menlopark.gov/storms for more information including contact information and resources.

Important contacts:
Emergency calls: 911
Police non-emergency: 650-330-6300 (including after hours)
Public Works: Fallen trees, sandbags, streets, mudslides, storm drains: 650-330-6780 (Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–4 p.m.)

You can also report problems you see in the San Francisquito Creek, like trash and large trees/branches online.

InMenlo file photo showing San Francisquito Creek near overflowing on December 31, 2022