Danville Issues Local Emergency As Second Storm Rolls In

DANVILLE, CA — The Town of Danville on Tuesday proclaimed a local emergency in response to a second atmospheric river pelting the region in just a few days. The storm is expected to be of similar or greater intensity than the New Year’s Eve storm, which dropped an unprecedented 5.5 inches of rain in 24 hours and caused flooding, mudslides, and overflowing of creeks and drainage systems.

The San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District said Saturday that it responded to over 100 flood related incidents over the last few hours. It has activated its Emergency Operations Center, and all emergency fire personnel, including reserves were called in. Several roads were closed or barricaded due to heavy flooding, and at least one downed tree on Alameda Diablo was reported.

Danville’s local emergency will allow the town greater flexibility to contract for and procure emergency response supplies and personnel, the town said in a news release. As two more atmospheric rivers are predicted, the emergency is in place until noon on Tuesday, Jan. 10. During the emergency, residents are asked to avoid travel, and continually prepare for future flooding.

The town said that it has deployed all available maintenance staff and contractors to manage its local creeks and drains, which the town said overflowed after the New Year’s Eve storm. Danville maintenance staff have been working since Saturday to clear town-managed ditches, drains and culverts at over 90 locations, Danville police said. Town crews are also assessing nearly 4,700 town-maintained storm drain inlets. Danville police asked residents to help by clearing leaves or debris blocking storm drains on the street.

The town said it has provided more than 20,000 sandbags to residents, and more are available. An additional 5,000 bags are available 24/7 at the Town Maintenance Center on 1000 Sherburne Hills Road. Danville residents can pick up up to 20 sandbags and a shovel. See here for more information.

Anyone in unincorporated Contra Costa County can pick up sandbags at any of six locations around the county.

Danville is currently under a High Wind Warning until 10 a.m. Thursday, with gusts of up to 43 mph predicted Wednesday. It is also under an Areal Flood Watch under 4 p.m. Thursday. Seven straight hours of rain are predicted Wednesday, and eight hours are rain are predicted Thursday. The National Weather Service predicts even more large storm systems over the next two weeks.

The town has offered a number of safety tips on driving, downed power lines, fallen trees, and power outages here.

To report clogged storm drains, downed trees, or flooding, call Danville Maintenance at 925-314-3450 ( (M-Th 7:30 am–4:00 pm, Fri 7:30 am–1:00 pm). After hours, call the town’s non-emergency dispatch at 925-820-2144. Residents can also make reports online at www.danville.ca.gov/danvilleconnect.

The Danville police will release public safety information through Nixle. To sign up, text your zip code to 888777. For more options, visit nixle.com.
Here are a number of local contacts:

• Danville Police: 925-820-2144
• San Ramon Police: 925-973-2779
• Contra Costa County Sheriff: 925-646-2441
• San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District: 925-838-6691

Other Resources:

• Contra Costa Animal Services: 925-335-8300
• East Bay Municipal Utilities District: 866-403-2683
• PG&E: 800-743-5000
• Flood Tips from FEMA: www.ready.gov/floods

What have you seen during the storms? Email Michael.wittner@patch.com with tips and photos.