PALO ALTO — Authorities said flooding Saturday morning near the Pope Chaucer Bridge forced the closure of some streets in the northern part of the city, and they warned drivers to avoid the area.
In an alert at 9:56 a.m., Palo Alto police said the bridge, which connects Palo Alto with Menlo Park, likely would be flooded by 10:30 a.m. as an atmospheric river storm dumping rain on the Bay Area had driven up the water levels of San Francisquito Creek. At 11:30, the police sent another message saying flooding was occurring in the area; shortly before 2 p.m. they said the water was receding.
Police said minor flooding was reported at these locations:
- El Camino Real underpass at University Avenue is currently flooded and not passable.
- Palo Alto Avenue between Chaucer Street and Seneca Street.
- University Avenue between Middlefield Road and Woodland Avenue.
- Quarry Road between Palo Road and El Camino Real near Stanford Shopping Center.
- On-street flooding on certain portions of Hamilton Avenue, Seneca Street, Hale Street, Guinda Street, Pitman Avenue, and Martin Avenue. Other streets in the area are likely affected as well.
Police said the following road closures were in place until water recedes:
- Quarry between Palo and El Camino Real
- Palo Alto Ave between Chaucer and Seneca
- Staff is working on closing University Avenue between Middlefield Road and Woodland Avenue.
Police told residents to be aware of potential further flooding and for residents near the creek to “take protective actions.” Libraries at Mitchell and Rinconada parks were open for anyone needing shelter.
The city was offering residents sandbags at the Palo Alto Airport, 1925 Embarcadero Road; the Rinconada Tennis Courts, at the corner of Newell Road and Hopkins Avenue; and Mitchell Park, 600 East Meadow Drive. The police later said no more sandbags were available at the Rinconada Tennis Courts, but that the city staff would try to replenish the stock.
Creek monitors at Waverly and Chaucer streets failed; police said city staff members were in place to monitor water levels.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Source: www.mercurynews.com