DECEMBER 9, 2024 UPDATE: The (NWS) has issued a Frost Advisory through 9 a.m. Tuesday, December 10. A low of 38 degrees is forecasted in Palo Alto tonight. Expect high winds, with gusts as high as 35 mph for higher elevations. King Tides and high surf Thursday through Monday, though no closures are anticipated at this time for the Baylands Nature Preserve. NWS anticipates a wet weekend and will update forecasts later in the week. As a reminder, rain and wind could bring community impacts such as ponding of water in local roadways, and wind impacts such as debris in roadways and power outages. City staff will continue to monitor conditions and share additional details as they become available.
NOVEMBER 19, 2024 UPDATE: The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Wind Advisory from this evening until 6 a.m. Thursday, November 21 with possible wind gusts reaching up to 45 mph. Rain is also expected starting Wednesday, November 20 through the weekend. Temperatures in Palo Alto should be relatively mild per NWS forecasts, with overnight lows in the high 40’s and daytime highs in the mid 50’s. Community impacts from this storm could include ponding of water in local roadways, and wind impacts such as debris in roadways and power outages.
APRIL 4, 2024 UPDATE: The updated National Weather Service forecast notes rain showers within creek capacity with no risk of flooding. Higher confidence for community impacts noted in yesterday's update (see below).
APRIL 3, 2024 UPDATE: The National Weather Service anticipates the return of cold temperatures, rain, wind and thunderstorms Thursday through Saturday this week. Expect cold overnight temperatures Thursday and into the morning on Friday. Community impacts from this storm could include ponding of water in local roadways, cold overnight and morning temperatures may cause icy roadways, wind impacts such as debris in roadways and power outages, and possible high elevation snow dusting or hail. An Inclement Weather Alert has been announced by the County for Thursday and Friday nights and the Overnight Warming Location (OWL) at the Downtown Library will be open each night from 7p.m. – 7a.m.
FEBRUARY 29, 2024 UPDATE: The National Weather Service forecast predicts rain and cold overnight temperatures in the mid to upper 30s, Friday through Monday and a Wind Advisory is in effect Friday and Saturday with wind gusts up to 40 mph. Expected rain levels are within creek capacity with no flood risk based on today’s forecast. Rain and high winds could cause community impacts such as ponding water and debris in roadways or icy roads in the Palo Alto foothills, fallen trees and limbs, and power outages. The County issued an Inclement Weather Alert, activating the City’s Overnight Warming Location and warming centers countywide are available, including Palo Alto libraries during daytime operating hours. See safety reminders below including ways to report community concerns and prepare for cold weather.
FEBRUARY 17, 2024 UPDATE: A Flood Watch is in effect Sunday at 10 a.m. through Wednesday at 10 a.m., and a Wind Advisory is in effect Sunday and Monday, with the National Weather Service forecasting sustained winds of up to 39 mph in lower elevations and up to 67 mph in higher terrain, plus possible thunderstorms. While uncertainty remains, flood risk is low as of today’s forecast. Use caution on local roads due to ponding water. Moderate rain and high winds could cause community impacts such as fallen trees and debris, and power outages. Palo Alto Open Space Preserves (Baylands, Arastradero, and Foothills) closures in effect Sunday and Monday to vehicle access, with pedestrian, cyclist, and equestrian access discouraged given storm conditions. Parking is prohibited along the end of Embarcadero Road, and Arastradero and Page Mill Roads within the preserves and will be enforced.
FEBRUARY 15, 2024 UPDATE: The National Weather Service forecasts the next set of storms beginning this Saturday through Tuesday with heavy rain and wind. Palo Alto flood risk is low as of today’s forecast. Possible rain and wind impacts include debris and ponding in roadways, power outages, and fallen limbs or trees.
FEBRUARY 5, 2024 UPDATE: Overnight storm impacts included fallen trees and limbs which caused several power outages. Foothills customers continue to be without power this morning with estimated power restoration by 4 p.m. today. City crews continue to respond to down trees and other community reports and responded to over 100 tree related issues yesterday. Top wind speed recorded at Foothills Nature Preserve last night was 65 mph and 3 inches of rain observed. The peak flow at the USGS station was slightly over 800 cubic feet per second at 8 p.m. last night. Baylands, Arastradero, and Foothills Nature Preserve have reopened, with limited services at Foothills and Arastradero due to a power outage, affecting the Foothills creek monitor rain gage. Foothills Interpretive Center and Panorama Loop Trail are closed. Byxbee Park parking lot is closed due to tree work underway. Staff anticipates reopening the parking lot by noon today.
No road closures are in effect, though use caution when travelling around town and avoid storm related debris in local roadways. Please report tree concerns and other storm impacts through Palo Alto 311 or call us (see important phone numbers on this page) and remember that during a power outage traffic signals are non-operational and to treat them as a four-way stop. The National Weather Service forecast notes rain expected throughout today into Tuesday, with widely scattered moderate to strong showers declining throughout the day and a low chance of thunderstorms. Flood watch and wind advisories are over. Rain likely to continue in the forecast through Friday. Much of the expected lingering storm impacts such as high winds and flood risk likely south of Palo Alto on the coast.
FEBRUARY 4, 2024 UPDATE, 9 A.M.: PEAK STORM IMPACTS EXPECTED TODAY
Peak Storm Impacts Expected Today; Flood Watch & High Wind Warning/Wind Advisory In Effect (9 Bay Area Counties): No significant storm impacts overnight. Conditions as of this morning include wind gusts up to 38 mph reported at the Palo Alto Airport, there is a power outage impacting 687 residents in the Duveneck neighborhood, crews are on scene working to clear a fallen tree which has shut down Eastbound Oregon Expressway at Bryant Street and the City is aware of other trees or limbs that have fallen on neighborhood streets, and crews will be addressing those as soon as they can. Baylands, Foothills and Arastradero Nature Preserves are closed. Palo Alto Art Center classes are cancelled today.
The National Weather Service forecast notes continued heavy rainfall and high/hazardous winds to increase in intensity of up to 60 mph. A High Wind Warning and a Wind Advisory are in effect until 10 p.m. Sunday and a Flood Watch is in effect until 10 a.m. Monday. Expect community-wide rain and wind impacts through Tuesday. Please use caution if you must travel as conditions can change quickly. City staff continue to monitor creek levels, equipment is staged, and staff are ready to respond as needed.
Note: This morning the W. Bayshore creek sensor was not working and likely due to a power outage in the area. The senor was restored around 1 p.m.
OTHER COMMUNITY CONDITIONS/UPDATES/SAFETY REMINDERS:
- Parking Enforcement Waived: Parking enforcement in downtown parking lots and garages will be waived through Tuesday, should residents in flood prone areas want to move their cars.
- Flood Stages/Emergency Alert Notification: As a reminder, should creek flow measure a rate of 4900 cubic feet per second (CFS), this triggers flood warning stage, and the City will issue an emergency alert notification and include blocks of homes impacted. Should flow rates continue to rise, with flooding imminent, which is triggered at 5400 CFS or higher, the City will issue a second emergency alert and include blocks of homes impacted noting that residents should consider evacuating. See more about the different stages of flooding below, under "Evacuation Resources." Any such messages will be sent City-wide so as to make everyone aware of what is occurring, so they can remain safe and take informed action.
- Monitor creek levels and track the weather forecast, as conditions can change quickly. Helpful online resources can be found further down on this page under "Track Weather/Creek Levels".
- Prepare now: If you live in an area that has seen flooding in past years, consider preparing for flooding as a precaution. Sandbag locations are stocked. Location information can be found below under "Storm Ready Resources."
- Stay informed: Sign-up for emergency alerts and follow Palo Alto Police on Nixle for public safety updates. Sign up for utilities power outage text alerts and gain details about power outages at https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/outages
- Report community concerns: Only call 9-1-1 in an emergency. Report neighborhood impacts through Palo Alto 311 or call us directly at the phone numbers listed on this page.
- Colder Temperatures are Expected: Find Countywide Warming Centers, including Palo Alto Library hours here.
FEBRUARY 3, 2024 UPDATE
Intense Storm Arriving Tonight
Intense Storm Arriving Tonight Through Tuesday; Flood Watch & High Wind Warning/Wind Advisory In Effect (9 Bay Area Counties): The National Weather Service continues to refine predictions for tonight’s storm, noting heavier rainfall levels and increased confidence in high/hazardous winds of up to 60 mph. A High Wind Warning and a Wind Advisory are in effect 10 p.m. tonight to 10 p.m. Sunday and a Flood Watch is in effect from 4p.m. today to 10 a.m. Monday. Storm impacts are likely through Tuesday. While flood risk is low to moderate based on the revised forecast, the adjusted rainfall levels show a 0-5% chance of a creek flowrate high enough to potentially cause a repeat of 2022’s New Year’s Eve flood. Community-wide storm impacts likely such as ponding water in our roadways, and wind impacts such as tree damage, fallen debris with possible power outages.
Please use caution if you must travel. Stay informed by signing up for emergency alerts, and power outage text alerts. Find these resources and more below.
OTHER COMMUNITY CONDITIONS/UPDATES/SAFETY REMINDERS:
- Parking Enforcement Waived: Parking enforcement in downtown parking lots and garages will be waived through Tuesday, should residents in flood prone areas want to move their cars.
- Flood Stages/Emergency Alert Notification: As a reminder, should creek flow measure a rate of 4900 cubic feet per second (CFS), this triggers flood warning stage, and the City will issue an emergency alert notification and include blocks of homes impacted. Should flow rates continue to rise, with flooding imminent, which is triggered at 5400 CFS or higher, the City will issue a second emergency alert and include blocks of homes impacted noting that residents should consider evacuating. See more about the different stages of flooding below, under "Evacuation Resources." Any such messages will be sent City-wide so as to make everyone aware of what is occurring, so they can remain safe and take informed action.
- Monitor creek levels and track the weather forecast, as conditions can change quickly. Helpful online resources can be found further down on this page under "Track Weather/Creek Levels".
- Prepare now: If you live in an area that has seen flooding in past years, consider preparing for flooding as a precaution. Sandbag locations are stocked. Location information can be found below under "Storm Ready Resources."
- Stay informed: Sign-up for emergency alerts and follow Palo Alto Police on Nixle for public safety updates. Sign up for utilities power outage text alerts and gain details about power outages at https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/outages
- Report community concerns: Only call 9-1-1 in an emergency. Report neighborhood impacts through Palo Alto 311 or call us directly at the phone numbers listed to the right on this page.
- Season Trail Closures in Effect: Some seasonal trails are closed at Arastradero Nature Preserve. Baylands Nature Preserve and Foothills Nature Preserve will continue normal operating hours. For details, go here.
- Colder Temperatures are Expected: Find Countywide Warming Centers, including Palo Alto Library hours here.
FEBRUARY 2, 2024 UPDATE
A New Storm Is Arriving Saturday Night
Heads up on Storm Impacts Beginning Saturday Night with a High Wind Warning & Flood Watch In Effect; Modest Rain Expected Through Tuesday: The National Weather Service issued a revised forecast for the next storm system to hit our region. A High Wind Warning for Saturday night to Sunday night, and a Flood Watch is back in effect Saturday evening through Monday morning.
- Expect high winds, and more rain Saturday through Tuesday. With a slight risk of excessive rainfall on Sunday, peak flows in the creek are anticipated Sunday morning to mid-day with low risk of flooding, though uncertainty remains in the forecast at this time.
- Use caution while out and about in the community with storm impacts such as ponding water in local roadways, fallen trees and limbs/other debris likely and possible power outages due to high winds.
- City staff continue to monitor creek levels and will respond to storm impacts should they occur.
Thank you for reporting any community impacts, and please only call 9-1-1 in case of an emergency. Stay informed, monitor the forecast and track creek levels, and more with the online tools noted on this page.
Storm Ready Reminders:
- Prepare now: If you live in an area that has seen flooding in past years, consider preparing for flooding as a precaution. Sandbag locations are stocked.
- Stay informed, as conditions can change quickly: Sign-up for emergency alerts and follow Palo Alto Police on Nixle for public safety updates.
- Report community concerns: Only call 9-1-1 in an emergency. Report neighborhood impacts through Palo Alto 311 or call us directly at the phone numbers listed to the right on this page.
- Season Trail Closures in Effect: Some seasonal trails are closed at Arastradero Nature Preserve. Baylands Nature Preserve and Foothills Nature Preserve will continue normal operating hours. For details, go here.
- Colder Temperatures are Expected: Find Countywide Warming Centers, including Palo Alto Library hours here.
FEBRUARY 1, 2024 UPDATE
Light Rain Expected through Saturday; Low Flood Risk. A New Storm is Forecasted to Arrive Sunday: No significant storm issues were reported by City crews performing storm patrols overnight. The National Weather Service forecast shows light rain through Saturday and low flood risk. The City will continue to monitor conditions and share any notable changes. NWS is tracking the next storm system starting on Sunday. Though uncertainty remains due to saturated soils and wind impacts, the forecast shows low flood risk, with moderate to heavy rain and wind gusts of up to 40 mph or more on Sunday into Monday. Possible rain and wind impacts include debris and ponding in roadways, power outages and fallen limbs or trees. Thank you for reporting any concerns you see while out and about in the community.
Storm Ready Reminders:
- Prepare now: If you live in an area that has seen flooding in past years, consider preparing for flooding as a precaution. Sandbag locations are stocked.
- Stay informed, as conditions can change quickly: Sign-up for emergency alerts and follow Palo Alto Police on Nixle for public safety updates.
- Report community concerns: Only call 9-1-1 in an emergency. Report neighborhood impacts through Palo Alto 311 or call us directly at the phone numbers listed to the right on this page.
- Season Trail Closures in Effect: Some seasonal trails are closed at Arastradero Nature Preserve. Baylands Nature Preserve and Foothills Nature Preserve will continue normal operating hours. For details, go here.
- Colder Temperatures are Expected: Find Countywide Warming Centers, including Palo Alto Library hours here.
JANUARY 31, 2024 7 P.M. UPDATE
Heavy Rainfall Expected Tonight; High Wind Advisory & Flood Watch in Effect; Flood is Risk Low: The National Weather Service updated their forecast this evening, with the storm system slowing over the ocean. Heavy rainfalls and wind are still expected to peak tonight between 10 p.m. and midnight and continue into Thursday. Flood risk is low, with slightly lower rainfall levels than originally reported, though uncertainty continues. A high wind advisory is in effect through Thursday morning and a flood watch is in effect until Friday morning. The community should expect rain-related impacts such as ponding water in local roadways, and wind-related impacts such as power outages and fallen trees or branches. Use caution while driving and continue to monitor local forecasts and creek levels. City staff will continue to monitor creek levels, and are prepared to respond to storm impacts, as needed. Sandbag stations are stocked. Seasonal trail closures are in effect at Arastradero Nature Preserve. The National Weather Service is forecasting another atmospheric river storm system to arrive on Sunday.
Storm Updates & Safety Reminders:
- Sign-up for emergency alerts and follow Palo Alto Police on Nixle for public safety updates.
- Only call 9-1-1 in an emergency.
- Report neighborhood impacts through Palo Alto 311 or call us directly at the phone numbers listed to the right on this page.
- Sign up for text alerts about utilities power outages at mycpau.cityofpaloalto.org
- Baylands Nature Preserve and Foothills Nature Preserve will continue normal operating hours. For details, go here.
- Find Countywide Warming Centers, including Palo Alto Library hours here.
JANUARY 31, 2024 12:30 P.M. UPDATE
Tracking Heavy Rain Though Slightly Lower Rainfall Levels Forecasted; Flood Watch & High Wind Advisory In Effect: There were no major updates in the National Weather Service forecast issued this morning. The forecast continues to track heavy rainfall indicating slightly lower rainfall totals and flowrates than previously reported, with a high wind advisory and flood watch still in effect. The community should prepare now for storm impacts tonight into tomorrow such as water pooling in roadways, rise in creek levels, possible power outages and fallen trees. City staff are continuing to monitor conditions, with equipment staged and staff teams ready to respond to weather-related incidents as necessary. A more in-depth storm update will be issued later today around 6 p.m.
JANUARY 30, 2024 UPDATE
High Rain Fall, Flood Watch & High Wind Advisory In Effect Starting Wednesday: The National Weather Service continues to refine their forecast for the upcoming storm, noting high confidence of heavy rainfall and high winds. A Flood Watch is in effect Wednesday, January 31 at 4 a.m. through Friday, February 2 at 4 a.m. and a Wind Advisory is in effect Wednesday, January 31 at 4 a.m. through Thursday, February 1 at 4 a.m. There is also increased confidence of more storms on the way following this storm system. Be aware of changing road conditions, and other storm impacts such as fallen trees and power outages. While there is a low flood risk based on today’s forecast, the National Weather Service continues to note a 0-5% of a creek flowrate high enough to potentially cause a repeat of 2022’s New Year’s Eve flood. Consider preparing now and continue to monitor forecasts and creek levels. Thank you in advance for reporting any storm related impacts at the numbers noted on the right of this page in blue.
Prepare Now: Residents impacted by water pooling in neighborhood streets or flooding last year, should consider preparing now. Sign-up for emergency alerts, pick up sandbags, and prepare for the storms in advance. Sandbag materials are available at all Palo Alto sandbag stations (see “Storm Ready Resources” for all location details).
Continue to Monitor Conditions: The City will continue to monitor forecasts and conditions, and staff is ready to respond should conditions change. Track the weather and creek levels and find more resources below.
Downtown Parking Enforcement Waived: Timed parking regulations in Downtown parking lots and garages are temporarily suspended from Wednesday, January 31 through Friday, February 2, if there is a need for residents to move their vehicles.
Overnight Warming Location/ Wednesday and Thursday Night: In response to an Inclement Weather Alert issued by the County of Santa Clara, Office of Supportive Housing, the City will host an Overnight Warming Location Wednesday and Thursday nights. Guests will receive a cot, warm snacks/breakfast. For details, contact staff at (650) 463-4953. In addition, Santa Clara County’s website noting warming centers countywide can be found here.
JANUARY 29, 2024 UPDATE
The National Weather Service issued a revised forecast today, noting higher confidence in a significant storm to hit the Bay Area, including Palo Alto, with heavy rainfall and issued a high wind advisory. Strongest storm impacts are tracking to hit our region late Wednesday through early Thursday. While there continues to be low flood risk based on the revised forecast, the forecast notes 0-5% chance of a creek flowrate high enough to potentially cause a repeat of 2022’s New Year’s Eve flood. The forecast is also tracking a series of storms to follow this week’s storm. With the ground already saturated from previous storms, and the anticipated heavy rainfall this week, the community is encouraged to sign-up for emergency alerts, pick up sandbags, and prepare for the storms in advance. Residents impacted by water pooling in neighborhood streets or flooding last year, should consider preparing in advance of Wednesday’s rainfall. The City will continue to monitor forecasts and conditions, and staff is ready to respond should conditions change. Equipment continues to be stationed at the Pope/Chaucer bridge in case there is a need to quickly remove debris during a heavy rain flow. Staff will issue a daily storm update through this storm system.
JANUARY 26, 2024 UPDATE
The National Weather Service is forecasting heavy rainfall between Wed., Jan. 31, 2024 through Thurs., Feb. 1, 2024 with a low risk of flooding based on current forecasts. City Staff will continue to monitor forecasts and will provide updates here as needed.
- Be a good neighbor: Help keep storm drains clear to prevent flooding by removing debris build up when you see it and ask your landscapers/gardeners to place yard trimmings and leaves in the green waste bin, not in the street.
- Track the forecast: For the latest forecast from the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov/mtr
- Plan ahead: Find sandbag locations and storm preparedness tips below
- Stay informed: Sign up for emergency alerts below and follow the City on social media
- Report concerns: Important phone numbers to report community issues on this page