San Jose: FLASH REPORT #1: Atmospheric River Preparation and Monitoring
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SOURCE:
City of San José
Emergency Operations Center

CONTACTS:
Kristen Van Kley, Deputy Public Information Officer
Email: EOC_PIO@sanjoseca.gov
Media Line: 408-535-7777

Date/Time of Update: March 9, 2023, 2:30 p.m.

SUMMARY:
On Wednesday, March 8, the City activated an Incident Management Team as part of the Emergency Operations Center to prepare for impacts of the upcoming atmospheric river. The National Weather Service (https://www.weather.gov/) has issued a flood watch and a high wind advisory from Thursday at 1:00 p.m. through Friday at 4:00 p.m.

Governor Gavin Newsom declared a State of Emergency on Wednesday, March 8 to support storm response and relief efforts in 21 counties, including Santa Clara County.

The City will continue communicating with Valley Water (https://www.valleywater.org/) and the National Weather Service (https://www.weather.gov/) to actively monitor rain, wind and potential flooding concerns. City staff are engaging with the community and unhoused residents living in potentially impacted areas to ensure their safety.

Proclamation of Local Emergency and Evacuation Order:
On Tuesday, January 3, the City of San José issued a Proclamation of Local Emergency and Evacuation Order (https://www.sanjoseca.gov/home/showdocument?id=93284). The order is still in effect as it was renewed for 60 days, beginning February 28.

Evacuation Announcements along San José Creeks and Waterways:
On Thursday, March 9, the San José Police Department, in support of the Office of Emergency Management, will use long-range acoustic devices (LRAD) and loudspeaker announcements to communicate existing evacuation orders to unhoused residents along Guadalupe River, Coyote, and Penitencia Creeks.

Potential Flood Hot Spots:
Valley Water and City Field Inspection Teams are monitoring all creeks and rivers in San José. Areas with the highest risk of water rising rapidly include:
  • Ross Creek at Cherry Avenue
  • Guadalupe River at West Alma Avenue
  • Upper Penitencia Creek at Mabury and King Roads
  • Coyote Creek downstream (north) of Berryessa Road
  • Berryessa Creek at Cropley Avenue
The potential areas of swiftly rising water are not limited to only these locations. To learn if your home or business is in a Special Flood Hazard Area, please visit http://www.valleywater.org/floodzone.

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24-Hour Emergency Evacuation Center:
The City of San José and American Red Cross are opening a 24-hour emergency evacuation center at Seven Trees Community Center (3590 Cas Drive). The center will be open for intake by 4:00 p.m. today. Individuals, families, pets and service animals are welcome. No prior referral or reservation is needed. Hand washing stations, portable restrooms, showers, cots, and laundry stations are available onsite.

Warming Centers:
Warming Centers are available to anyone who needs to dry off, warm up, use a restroom, and charge devices during the storm. Amenities include heated rooms, Wi-Fi, and power outlets to charge devices. Service animals only are allowed at warming center locations.

All libraries and community centers are warm spaces open to the public during regular hours. Visit https://www.sjpl.org/locations-table for library hours and http://bit.ly/sjcommunitycenters for community center hours.

Overnight Warming Locations (OWLs) are available at Roosevelt Community Center (901 East Santa Clara Street) and West Valley Branch Library (1243 San Tomas Aquino Road). OWLs are open nightly from 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Spots are by referral only and the public can call 408-539-2105 or email owlreferrals@homefirstscc.org.

The County offers additional shelters. Unhoused individuals seeking shelter can call the County's Here4You Call Center at 408-385-2400 to find placement within the County.

Power Outages:
For information on power outages in your area visit the PG&E Outage Center Map (https://pgealerts.alerts.pge.com/outagecenter/).

Stay Informed:Be Prepared:
  • For sandbag locations, visit http://www.valleywater.org/flooding-safety/flood-ready/sandbags. Filled sandbags are available at the City of San José Alviso, Central Service, Mabury, and South Corporation Yards. Loose sand and bags are available at the City's West Yard – bring your own shovel.
  • Move vehicles to higher ground if you are parked in a potential flood hot spot.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. Saturated soil and high winds create risk for downed trees.
  • Place valuable items in the safest and highest place in your home.
  • Be ready to leave with any medications and personal items on a moment's notice.
  • Pack a bag with important documents, medicines, and spare clothes.
  • Charge devices and locate flashlights and batteries.
  • Report blocked storm drains, downed trees, and other storm-related issues by calling 311 or 408-794-1900.
Road Safety During Floods:
  • When driving, turn your car around if you encounter water on the road that looks to be 6 inches or deeper—or if you can't tell how deep it is. Be especially cautious at night or in low-visibility conditions. Remember – Turn around, don't drown!
  • Stay away from creeks, rivers, and other areas subject to sudden flooding.
  • Move your vehicle to higher ground if you are parked in a potential flood hot spot.
Sign up for Text & Email Alerts:
Residents are advised to opt in to AlertSCC, the Santa Clara County emergency alert system. Sign-up at http://bit.ly/2BzQxt0. AlertSCC is a free, easy, and confidential way for anyone who lives or works in Santa Clara County to get emergency warnings sent directly to their cell phone, email, or landline.

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