San Francisco residents are being urged to exercise caution as intense rainfall continues throughout the week, prompting warnings from city officials regarding potential flooding and hazardous conditions.
Samuel Menchaca, a spokesperson for the San Francisco Fire Department, emphasized the importance of appropriate attire for those venturing outdoors during the storms. He advised individuals to wear waterproof clothing, including raincoats and boots, and to carry umbrellas. Crucially, he warned against approaching downed power lines, posing a significant safety risk.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has also issued a plea for increased vigilance on roadways. Art Montiel, a CHP spokesperson, recommended that drivers reduce their speed, utilize the center lanes of the road when possible, and activate headlights and windshield wipers to enhance visibility. These measures are intended to mitigate the risks associated with driving in heavy rain and potentially flooded conditions.
For residents in areas prone to flooding, authorities are strongly recommending proactive measures to protect their properties. This includes securing sandbags to create barriers against rising water levels. The city of San Francisco is making sandbags available to residents, with information on access points available here.
The current weather situation is part of a broader pattern of atmospheric river events impacting Northern California. According to the National Weather Service, a flood watch is in effect for all nine Bay Area counties, the Central Coast, and the San Joaquin Valley, beginning at 10:00 AM and currently scheduled to remain in effect through . A flood advisory has already been issued for central Sonoma and western Napa counties, including Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, and Cotati, extending through early .
Meteorologist Joe Merchant of the National Weather Service described the approaching weather system as consisting of “several waves of potentially strong to moderate showers and thunderstorms,” accompanied by “very strong winds at the highest peaks.” Communities closest to the Bay, including San Francisco and Richmond, have already received over two inches of rain in the past 24 hours, highlighting the intensity of the precipitation.
The city’s infrastructure is also under scrutiny. San Francisco operates a combined system where stormwater and sewage are collected in the same set of pipes. When this system reaches capacity during heavy rainfall, street flooding, particularly in low-lying areas that were historically creeks or bays, can occur, along with potential property damage. City crews are engaged in year-round efforts to clean, repair, and replace aging sewer infrastructure through capital projects and preventative maintenance. A dedicated Stormwatch Team is actively inspecting, monitoring, and cleaning storm drains and pipes.
Recognizing the financial burden that flooding can impose on property owners, the city offers a Floodwater Grant providing up to $100,000 to implement approved flood-protection projects. This grant is available to eligible property owners who have experienced flooding originating from the sewer system or public right-of-way as a result of heavy rains. Residents and property owners are also encouraged to purchase flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program, which covers damage to buildings and building contents. renters are eligible for content coverage.
Beyond immediate emergency measures, the city is promoting long-term solutions to improve stormwater management and flood resilience. These include encouraging residents to install green infrastructure on their properties – such as rain gardens, permeable pavement, and rainwater harvesting systems – which can capture stormwater and potentially qualify them for a stormwater credit on their monthly sewer bill. Homeowners are also advised to work with plumbers to regularly inspect and maintain their sewer laterals, the connection from their building to the city sewer, to prevent blockages caused by tree roots, wipes, and grease.
The current situation underscores the challenges faced by urban areas in managing increasingly frequent and intense rainfall events. While no sewer system can be designed to handle all stormwater in every storm, the city’s proactive approach, combining infrastructure improvements, financial assistance, and community engagement, aims to mitigate the risks and protect residents from the impacts of flooding. The ongoing storms serve as a critical reminder of the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of a changing climate.
Authorities continue to advise residents to avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rains and winds and to stay away from flooded areas and downed power lines, whether traveling by car or on foot.
