Menlo Park proactively prepares for winter storms — steps residents can take

The City of Menlo Park is proactively preparing its infrastructure, facilities and response operations for a potentially significant winter storm season while encouraging residents to take steps now to protect their households and neighborhoods.

On Sept. 21, Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency to strengthen California’s preparations for El Niño. The proclamation allows the state to mobilize resources, streamline procurement, stage flood-fighting supplies and prepare equipment before severe weather develops. It also directs state agencies to support local efforts to reduce flooding, landslide and coastal hazards.

Federal forecasters report a greater than 90% chance of a very strong El Niño this fall and winter and a 75% chance that it could reach historic strength. El Niño does not guarantee a wet winter or predict the effects of any individual storm, but it can increase the risk of repeated heavy rain, high winds, flooding, large waves and coastal flooding, particularly when storms coincide with very high tides.

For Menlo Park residents, significant winter storms may bring flooded streets, power outages and falling trees or tree limbs. Residents and businesses in flood-prone areas may need sandbags to help prevent water from entering buildings. Storms occurring during very high tides may also increase the risk of coastal and low-lying flooding. Community members should monitor individual storm forecasts because the timing and severity of local impacts cannot be determined from the seasonal El Niño outlook alone.

To prepare for the upcoming wet weather, City Public Works staff are cleaning storm drains, drainage lines and outfalls and removing debris from Atherton Channel. Additionally, City staff participated in a San Francisquito Creek walk-through with the San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority, Valley Water, Stanford University and the cities of East Palo Alto and Palo Alto to identify potential blockage points. The City’s Public Works team is also evaluating high-risk trees, preparing tree-removal equipment and arranging for additional contractors and equipment. During storms, staff will monitor flood-prone locations and establish detours when road conditions become unsafe.

Community members will be notified of major flooding and detours through SMCAlert, the City’s Weekly Digest newsletter, social media accounts and other important disaster related systems. Visit the City’s Alerts page to learn more.

To further help the Menlo Park community stay safe during winter storms, the City is coordinating its preparations with the Menlo Park Fire Protection District, the San Francisquito Creek Multi-Agency Coordination Group and the San Mateo County Emergency Management. Regional coordination calls and National Weather Service briefings will occur before and during significant storms.

Sandbag stations opening in October
Beginning the first week of October, the City plans to activate sandbag stations at:

• Burgess Park parking lot: Alma Street and Burgess Drive
• Menlo Park Fire Station 77: 1467 Chilco St.
• Pope Street Island: 222 Laurel Ave.

Residents should confirm that a station is open before traveling to the location and bring their own shovel. Learn more about the City’s sandbag stations and tips to safely fill sandbags.

InMenlo file photo of flooded San Francisquito Creek (c) 2026