Forecast
The Town faired well last night with only a few incidents. Crews were on standby through the night. At this time we anticipate the heaviest rains and winds, with thunderstorms, to begin around 10 am. Winds could gust up to 48 mph. As you look outside your window, it's raining - so chance of precipitation - 100%. We expect between 3/4" and 1" of rain possible. High tides are expected mid-afternoon, but we do not expect there to be major issues.
Moving into tonight there is a continuation of the showers and thunderstorms in lessening strength. Winds will die down and new rainfall is expected between 1/4" and 1/2". Crews will work through the day and, unless the storm stalls out and lingers through the evening, will return to standby for this evening. If the Town opens up its Emergency Operations Center, it will be done through the Police Dispatch Center.
Expectations
As you will note from a prior Town News Flash, storms such as these can mean short-term power outages from 30 minutes to 48 hours. This is a good time to check on your preparedness efforts - flashlights, lanterns, radio, sandbags, etc. The Town provides sandbags free of charge at the Public Works Corporation Yard (self-service). Stay tuned to your local television or radio news for updates on the forecast. Check you property for "loose" items and secure them as much as possible - patio umbrellas, heaters, awnings, light furniture, covers, tarps. There will be flooding. Trees will be impacted and limbs/trees themselves may fail. Be alert and aware when driving or walking. If you see a hazard, contact the Police Dispatch Center. If it is an emergency, contact 911.
PG&E (Outages) - 1-800-743-5002
West Bay Sanitary - 650-321-0384
Fair Oaks Sanitary - 650-363-4100
Atherton Public Works (8 am to 5 pm)
Non-Emegency - 650-752-0570
Atherton Police Department
Emergency - 911
Non-Emergency - 650-688-6500
There are a few areas to be on the look-out for -
1) Flooding at Middlefield Road between Ravenswood & Oak Grove. This is a condition that has existed for 40+ years. The Menlo Park storm drain system reaches capacity and begins surcharging backwards resulting in flooding. If this occurs, this section of the road will be closed for safety. Barricades have been staged in the area for this eventuality.
2) Atherton Channel Overtopping at Marsh Road. Normally when this happens, traffic is still allowed to pass along Marsh Road as the water is not very deep. But, if it needs to be closed, all traffic will be diverted Eastbound and Westbound down Holbrook Lane.
3) Atherton Channel Overwhelms the Invert at Alameda de las Pulgas. We have been in contact with School District in the vicinity and have provided over 100 sandbags earlier this week to setup a diversion. The school is prepared.
4) Trees. Trees will be impacted and limbs/branches may fail. We have our tree professionals on watch and have constant contact. They can respond within an hour to the site with chainsaws to clear the rights of way. Adjoining property owners are responsible for maintaining the lot frontage strips (essentially the right-of-way) between their property and the adjacent roadway. That includes the trees within these areas. The Town will assist with clearing the roadway, but failed/downed trees in this area are ultimately the responsibility of the adjoining property owner. Should a tree fail in this area, the Town will assist with primary clearance and then will be in contact with the adjacent property owner for clearing the remainder.
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Thank you for you patience and help as we "weather" the storm.
Regards,
George Rodericks
Atherton City Manager