Get Prepared, Weekend Storm on the Way

Storms are continuing over the weekend and with already saturated soils, more impacts are expected across San Mateo County. The National Weather Service has placed San Mateo County under a Flood Watch through January 16 at 4:00 p.m. Heavy rainfall and high winds along with a possibility of thunderstorms are expected during this time. During storm activity please be cautious of flooded roadways and deteriorating conditions, hazardous trees, and powerlines. 

Our crews have been preparing and responding, and we urge residents to take precautions to protect themselves, their family and their property. 

For the latest forecast updates, visit www.weather.gov/mtr/

Follow our San Mateo Storm web page for updates. 

How You Can be Prepared:

• Get prepared NOW – get any supplies, groceries, sandbags etc. in advance.
• Charge your devices and be prepared for potential power outages - visit PG&E's outage map for updates
• If you are able, avoid driving or being out on the roads. If you must drive, NEVER DRIVE THROUGH A FLOODED ROAD
• Sign up for emergency alerts with your address through the Countywide SMC Alert http://www.smcalert.info/

Sandbag Information for City of San Mateo Residents: 

• Free self-serve sandbag stations are open to City of San Mateo residents, currently at Corp Yard (1949 Pacific Blvd.) and Seal Point Park (1901 J. Hart Clinton Drive)
• Bring your own heavy-duty trash bags in case supplies of bags are gone
• Bring your own shovel if you have one
• Updates will be provided at www.cityofsanmateo.org/floodprep

San Mateo Creek Update:

At this time, the SFPUC believes the Crystal Springs reservoir will not spill through at least Friday, Jan. 20. This is good news, however there is still risk of flooding for residents along the creek and other flood-prone areas due to the ongoing storms, especially if you have experienced flooding in the past. We have been out clearing creeks of fallen trees and debris. Please continue to take precautions against flooding and be prepared, visit our sandbag stations.

Visit SFPUC's Reservoir Wet Weather web page for SFPUC updates and to see reservoir levels, or read more on our San Mateo Creek web page for City updates. 

Preparatory Steps the City is Taking: 

• Teams have been out clearing storm water catch basins and trash racks throughout the city
• Removing downed trees and debris from creeks
• In areas more prone to flooding, for safety reasons we may proactively close roads and provide detours
• Testing stormwater pump stations and planning for operational needs throughout the storm
• Maintaining a sandbag station at the Corp Yard and Seal Point Park
• Lowering the Marina Lagoon even further below typical winter levels
• Coordinating with the County, neighboring cities and the SFPUC
• Proclaimed a local emergency