Get the latest updates at menlopark.gov/stormupdate
March 15 storm update - Storm cleanup is underway; power outages persist
Late yesterday the winds finally calmed and crews were able to begin to catch up on the nearly 70 storm-related calls, mostly due to downed trees and tree branches. At least 30 separate trees came down across the city causing multiple street closures and power outages. Public Works crews worked aggressively to reopen streets and clear debris, but the overall storm cleanup will take days. Storm damage can be widely seen across the city. The fence at the ball park at Nealon Park was damaged and the dog park there will remain closed until repairs can be made.
Please check the latest street closure and traffic signal outages using the Zonehaven map. Ongoing power outages may continue to cause periodic traffic signal outages. Please drive carefully and treat any signal that is flashing or out as a stop sign. City crews have placed temporary stops signs at intersections where possible.
Extended power outages
PG&E continues to work to restore power and this morning several areas of the Belle Haven and Willows neighborhoods came back online. The City of Menlo Park is closely monitoring large sections of remaining outages across the rest of the city. City staff have been in contact with multiple representatives at PG&E and continue to press them for updates and restoration timelines. We know how frustrating it is to be without the information and we all want to see power restored as safely and and quickly as possible.
PG&E Safety Net program
Residential customers may qualify for PG&E's Safety Net program which offers:
- Payments to residential customers who are without power for more than 48 hours due to a severe events, like storms (as determined by PG&E).
- The Safety Net program, pays $25 to $100 automatically 60 to 120 days after the outage. The amount may depend on the outage length.
City of Menlo Park one-night hotel stay reimbursement policy for PG&E power outages
The City of Menlo Park is evaluating its policy for one-night hotel stay reimbursements related to extended PG&E power outages. If this outage event extends into Thursday evening, March 16, updated information about potential reimbursements will be posted to the city website (this storm update page) by 3 p.m., Thursday, March 16.
For extended outages, learn about PG&E's discounts on hotels (PDF).
Menlo Park libraries to remain open extended hours
For those without power or needing a place to recharge, Menlo Park libraries will remain open extended hours until 10 p.m., Wednesday, March 15, and reopen again at 10 a.m., Thursday, March 16. 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.
Avoid unstable creek banks; soil can collapse unexpectedly
Saturated soils along the banks of San Francisquito Creek along Woodland Avenue continue to make creek banks unstable and hazardous. Additional areas along the entire length of the creek banks may pose hazards, so please observe the creek from a safe distance and monitor creek levels online at menlopark.gov/creeklevels.
Keep informed of changing conditions
Report issues promptly
- For blocked storm drains, sink holes, landslides, levee damage and fallen trees, 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 or gas leaks, call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 and check their outage center map online. For anyone experiencing power outages, learn about PG&E's hotel discounts (PDF) for extended outages.
- For sewer problems, call West Bay Sanitary District at 650-321-0384.
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.
Get the latest updates at menlopark.gov/stormupdate
|
