Get the latest updates at menlopark.gov/stormupdate
March 22 Storm Update - Flooding averted and power mostly restored; remaining work underway
Last night's sustained rains pushed creek levels higher than originally anticipated and into the number nine spot on the San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority's top 10 highest historic peak streamflow rates per their records with 4,080 cubic feet per second (cfs), but still just below flood stage and not high enough to trigger action or flood warnings.
Menlo Park staff and partners from JPA member agencies monitored flow sensors throughout the night. Field personnel, including our public safety officers, kept eyes on known breakout points where water has gone before and there was an excavator stationed on the Pope-Chaucer bridge by the City of Palo on behalf of the SFC Joint Powers Authority ready in case of any debris or obstructions. With the highly saturated soils throughout the watershed, much of the rainfall resulted in runoff and flow into the creek.
As a reminder, creek banks along Woodland Avenue remain saturated and unstable. Additional areas along the entire length of the creek may pose hazards and are susceptible to further erosion and collapse, so please observe the creek from a safe distance only and monitor creek levels online at menlopark.gov/creeklevels.
Remaining power outages
For the remaining power outages affecting Menlo Park neighborhoods, most have been assigned estimated restoration times of 11 p.m. tonight or tomorrow, March 23. Please check for the latest updates on PG&E's Outage Center map.
Menlo Park one-night hotel stay reimbursement policy
If this outage event extends into Thursday evening, March 23, the City's policy for one-night hotel stay reimbursements related to extended PG&E outages may come into effect again. If so, updated information about potential reimbursements will be posted to the city website (this storm update page) by 3 p.m., Thursday, March 23. For extended outages, also check out PG&E's discounts on hotels (PDF).
Menlo Park libraries open extended hours again tonight
For those without power or needing a place to recharge, Menlo Park libraries will remain open until 9 p.m., Wednesday, March 22, and reopen again at 10 a.m., Thursday, March 23. These facilities are climate-controlled and offer seating, reading materials, laptop computers, places to charge mobile devices, and public access internet and Wi-Fi. Visit menlopark.gov/library or call 650-330-2520.
- Belle Haven Branch Library
413 Ivy Drive
- Menlo Park Library
800 Alma St.
Storm cleanup this week and preparations for next week's storm
We are thankful that the forecast calls for clear weather the rest of the week and an opportunity to clear more debris and continue our cleanup work. But, it is a short break ahead of unseasonably chilly temperatures beginning Friday night and into the weekend. Then, the National Weather Service predicts yet another Pacific low pressure system to move into our area the first part of next week, which would bring more rain and wind. It is still too early to predict specifics, but we are always preparing and urge you to do the same. Visit menlopark.gov/storms for storm-ready tips.
Today and for the rest of the week, Public Works crews will be clearing the remainder of the 50+ locations that were reported for trees down, branches down, debris in the right of way, etc. Please be patient as you may see piles of debris and tree limbs for several days as these areas are cleared. Take caution when walking, biking and driving to avoid debris.
Preparing for next week
Please help us clear any small branches, leaves and organic material that may be near the curb by placing this material in your green waste/compost bin. If you can, avoid parking near storm drains and prioritize moving vehicles on street sweeping days so that sweepers can get close to the curb and do the best possible job of removing small debris. You can check your street sweeping day on our website.
Sandbags and loose sand are available at the City's regular sandbag locations:
- Burgess Park parking lot: Alma Street and Burgess Drive
- Menlo Park Fire Station No. 77: 1467 Chilco St.
- Temporary pop-up at Pope St. island: 222 Laurel Ave.
Keep informed of changing conditions
Report issues promptly
- For fallen trees, blocked storm drains, flooding concerns, sink holes and landslides, call Public Works at 650-330-6780 weekdays from 7 a.m.–4 p.m. and at 650-330-6300 after-hours.
- For power outages and gas leaks, call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 and check their outage center map online.
Please do not call 9-1-1 unless there is an imminent threat to life or other serious emergency. For general questions consider texting the city at 650-679-7022.
For storm updates always visit menlopark.gov/stormupdate.
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