City of San Mateo: We're In Full Storm Prep Mode for El Nino

The following is a press release from the city of San Mateo:

If weather forecasts are accurate, California is in for a very wet winter. Multiple reports are comparing this year’s expected El Niño to the very wet, damaging El Niño from 1997/98. City of San Mateo officials are heeding the warnings and are in full storm preparation.

In response to potential flooding the City is working in a variety of preventative areas in advance of any storms. City staff is clearing creeks of vegetation and debris to ensure heavy waters continue to flow and reduce creek banks from potential flooding.

Across the city, trash racks which capture debris before entering key storm drain channels are being inspected, repaired, and cleaned. At the Marina Lagoon, maintenance workers have been removing barnacles from the pump station trash racks which in previous winters have restricted water flow and prevented pumps from discharging water as effectively as possible.

Each year the city preemptively lowers the lagoon water level to be able to store runoff. Additionally, 5,000 storm drain catch basins across the city are being cleaned and cleared to further prevent blockages and keep the water moving towards the bay.

“We plan to be ready for the winter storms,” said Public Works Deputy Director Gary DeJesus. “We have a great group of maintenance staff that knows where to be when the rains come. They’ve been through this before and have a plan in place to respond to heavy rains quickly and effectively. We are preparing for a high demand of sandbags and have added a second location.”

San Mateo has historically had a fill-it-yourself sandbag station; open during business hours, at the Corporation Yard, located at 1949 Pacific Ave. In addition this year, city officials authorized a second 24/7 location near the Waste Water Treatment Plant at the corner of Detroit Dr. and J. Hart Clinton Dr. Residents are encouraged to bring their own shovel.

“We felt it was necessary, based on the rains that may hit this year, to provide residents a 24 hour, 7 day a week location to fill sandbags as needed,” said Public Works Director, Brad Underwood.

The City would like to remind residents to do their part and plan for what could be a very wet and prolonged winter. Ways residents can start planning can be found on the city’s website atwww.cityofsanmateo.org/WinterStorms.