Flash Flood Watch
The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch starting Monday evening, Feb. 25 through Wednesday morning, Feb. 27. Wind gusts are expected to be between 20-35 mph in the valley with higher gusts over the mountains. For full details, please visit the National Weather Service website.
Flash flooding can occur in areas where the ground is saturated and the Santa Clara Valley Water District advises that if floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground. A foot of water will float many vehicles. Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles, including SUVs and pick-ups. Check out the flood safety tips: before, during and after on the Santa Clara Valley Water District website.
Preparing for Winter Weather
The City of Santa Clara takes a number of steps to prepare for the wet weather season including planning, debris removal and tree maintenance. The City regularly reviews National Weather Service (NWS) reports and flood preparation reports from the Santa Clara Valley Water District (SVCWD). In advance of every rainy season, City staff remove debris from public storm drain inlets and conduct a leaf-vacuum program to remove fallen leaves from the roadway that potentially clog catch basins and cause surface flooding.
The City maintains storm drain pump stations throughout Santa Clara, cleans wetwells, trash racks and maintains the back-up generators at pump station site. Street tree maintenance activities are conducted on an ongoing basis and tree trimming adjacent to power lines is done to decrease the potential for fallen debris and downed power lines.
Report Weather-Related Issues
- Flooding in City streets
- Illegal dumping of liquids or solids into storm drains
- Noisy manhole covers
- Overflowing or plugged-up storm drains
- Pets or items fallen into storm drains
- Fallen tree branches
If your power does go out, if you see a downed power line, or if you have an interruption of your regular service, please contact Silicon Valley Power.
|Report downed power line or power outages 24 hours a day||
Silicon Valley Power
Report Creek Flooding and Creek hazards
- Creek Blockages: Trash and debris in creeks can block the flow of water and cause flooding. Help us keep creeks flowing by reporting downed trees, blockages or illegal dumping by contacting the Santa Clara Valley Water District's Watershed Hotline at (408) 630-2378 or online at Access Valley Water.
- Hazardous spills or illegal dumping in creeks within Santa Clara County: contact the Santa Clara Valley Water District at (888) 510-5151.
- Santa Clara Residents: Filled sandbags are available during the rainy season at the Corporation Yard, located at 1700 Walsh Ave, Santa Clara. Limit is 10 bags per residence.
- Other residents or businesses in Santa Clara County: please visit the Santa Clara Valley Water District website to find a sandbag distribution location near you.
Sign up for Extreme Weather Notifications
During a major significant event, -- enough rain or wind to prompt a National Weather Service “warning” (issued when hazardous weather is occurring or imminent) or significant impact on many residents/businesses – the City of Santa Clara will send emails to those who sign up for “Extreme Weather.” Please visit santaclaraca.gov/enotify and sign up for “Extreme Weather” news.
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, mobile device, email, or landline. AlertSCC can reach you wherever you are to provide information and instructions in a variety of emergency situations, which may include:
- Flooding, wildfires and subsequent evacuations
- Public safety incidents, including crimes, that immediately affect your neighborhood
- Post-disaster information about shelters, transportation, or supplies
Sign up today on the Alert SCC webpage.
Additional Winter Weather tips
Water from your neighborhood enters the storm drain system and flows directly to local creeks and the Bay without any treatment. Pollutants make their way into the storm drains when carried by rain or other runoff.
Help Prevent Localized Flooding in your Neighborhood
- Never put anything into the gutter, street or storm drain.
- Don't blow leaves and yard debris into the street where it can clog catch basin inlets.
- Removed parked vehicles from the street on sweeping days to enable the sweeper to reach the gutter line.
Driving in Wet Weather
- Slow down while driving in the rain.
- Increase your following distance.