Storm approaching California, prepare for flooding, Valley Water warns

Published on March 8, 2023 on MorganHillLife.com

By Staff Report

The National Weather Service is expecting an atmospheric river to impact the area late this week and into the weekend. The storm is forecast to increase the potential for gusty winds, thunderstorms, and heavy rain from late Thursday into Friday. The rain might continue impacting the area into the weekend.

As we’ve seen over the past few months, these atmospheric rivers can cause flooding concerns. However, Valley Water is not expecting flooding from creeks at this time unless conditions change.

Storms are always a reminder to be prepared for flooding. Don’t wait until the storm is already here to take actions that could make a difference in an emergency. Sign up for emergency alerts, have an emergency plan and know where to get sandbags. Here are some resources that can help.

 

Below are essential resources for flood preparedness:

The Upper Llagas Creek Flood Protection project is being built to help prevent major flooding in the South Valley region like this. Photo courtesy Valley Water

To learn if your home or business is in a Special Flood Hazard Area, please visit our flood zone webpage.

  • Santa Clara County emergency alert system AlertSCCprovides up-to-date information on emergencies and disasters in your area. 

  • Valley Water’s ALERT(Automated Local Evaluation in Real Time) system provides information on levels of streams and reservoirs and precipitation gauges.

  • Free, filled sandbags are available for residents of Santa Clara County. The sandbag sites are listed HERE.

  • Spills, blockages, or dumping in creeks can be reported by calling Valley Water’s watershed hotline at 408-630-2378.

  • More flood safety tips and resources are available at org/floodready.