County of Santa Clara Prepares for Incoming Storm
Heavy rainfall and strong winds prompt multi-agency emergency response
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch and Wind Advisory for the entire Bay Area beginning today, Wednesday, Jan. 31 through 4 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 1. Moderate to heavy rainfall will be accompanied with strong south winds between 30-40 mph and isolated gusts reaching 50-60 mph.
“This storm could have hazardous impacts to the county such as flooding, power outages, cold weather illness, and more,” said Louay Toma, Acting Deputy Director of the Office of Emergency Management. “The County is working with local and state partners to ensure community members are aware of and prepared for the incoming weather. We remain dedicated to our core mission of safeguarding lives, protecting property, and preserving the environment.”
The combination of heavy rain and gusty winds also raises the likelihood for potential roadway hazards, such as nuisance flooding, slippery roadway conditions, and obstruction of roadways due to fallen debris. Motorists should delay travel if possible and exercise extra caution when driving in stormy weather. Community members should assume downed power lines are live and dangerous and report them to their public utility. PG&E customers should contact the PG&E customer service center at 1 (800) 743-5000. To report, track, and monitor PG&E electric outages, visit the PG&E Outage Center.
“We continue to offer vital resources to the most vulnerable. The County libraries regularly operate as warming centers and provide refuge to those facing the cold,” said Kathryn Kaminski, Deputy Director of the Office of Supportive Housing. “Outreach teams and community volunteers are in the field working with community service providers, visiting encampments to distribute supplies and raising awareness about the availability of warming centers, inclement weather shelter beds, and essential resources.”
County libraries are operating as warming centers to provide a safe, heated space for people seeking shelter from the cold. The City of San José libraries and community centers are operating as warming centers during regular business hours. For city libraries, go to www.sjpl.org/locations for hours and locations. For city community centers, please go to bit.ly/sjcommunitycenters. There are also other dedicated warming centers open across Santa Clara County. For the complete list of warming center locations, go to www.preparescc.org/coldweather.
Community members in Morgan Hill, Gilroy and San Martin who need overnight shelter are encouraged to call Brian Malicdem at (669) 286-0585, email at brian.malicdem@morganhill.ca.gov or call the South County Compassion Center at (408) 763-7120 for a referral to the Community Christian Church Overnight Warming Location.
College Terrace Library
2300 Wellesley St.
Palo Alto, CA 94306
Wednesday, Jan. 31 – Saturday, Feb. 4 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Cupertino Library
10800 Torre Ave.
Cupertino, CA 95014
Wednesday, Jan. 31 – Friday, Jan. 1 from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Downtown Library
270 Forest Ave.
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Wednesday, Jan. 31 – Saturday, Feb. 4 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Gilroy Library
350 W. 6th St.
Gilroy, CA 95020
Wednesday, Jan. 31 from 1 – 9 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 1 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Los Altos Library
13 S. San Antonio Rd.
Los Altos, CA 94022
Wednesday, Jan. 31 – Thursday, Feb. 1 from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Los Gatos Library
100 Villa Ave.
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Wednesday, Jan. 31 – Friday, Feb. 1 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Milpitas Library
160 N. Main St.
Milpitas, CA 95035
Wednesday, Jan. 31 – Thursday, Feb. 1 from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Mitchell Park Library
3700 Middlefield Rd
Palo Alto, CA 94303
Wednesday, Jan. 31 – Thursday, Feb. 1 from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 2 – Sunday, Feb. 4 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Morgan Hill Library
660 W. Main Ave.
Morgan Hill, CA 95037
Wednesday, Jan. 31 from noon – 9 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 1 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Mountain View Community Center
201 S. Rengstorff Ave.
Mountain View, CA 94040
Wednesday, Jan. 31 – Thursday, Feb 1 from 8:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 2 from 8:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Mountain View Police Services Fire Administration Building Lobby
1000 Villa St.
Mountain View, CA 94041
Wednesday, Jan. 31 – Sunday, Feb. 4 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Mountain View Public Library
585 Franklin St.
Mountain View, CA 94041
Wednesday, Jan. 31 – Thursday, Feb 1 from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 2 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Mountain View Senior Center
266 Escuela Ave.
Mountain View, CA 94040
Wednesday, Jan. 31 – Thursday, Feb 1 from 8:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 2 from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Rinconada Library
1213 Newell Rd.
Palo Alto, CA 94303
Wednesday, Jan. 31 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 1 from noon – 8 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 2 – Sunday, Feb. 4 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saratoga Library
13650 Saratoga Ave.
Saratoga, CA 95070
Wednesday, Jan. 31 – Thursday, Feb. 1 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Woodland Library
1975 Grant Rd.
Los Altos, CA 94024
Wednesday, Jan. 31 from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 1 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
For cold weather safety tips and the complete list of warming center locations, please visit www.preparescc.org/coldweather.
For storm safety tips, please visit www.preparescc.org/storm.
For additional information (in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Tagalog), please visit www.preparescc.org.
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About the Office of Emergency Management
The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is at the forefront of ensuring the safety and resilience of the Santa Clara County community. We remain steadfast, devoted to a core mission – safeguarding lives, protecting property, and preserving the environment. These values form the cornerstone of our existence, guiding us through the phases of emergency management, from emergency preparedness, prevention, and mitigation to the intricate coordination of response and recovery. We envision a future where disaster preparedness is not an individual burden, but a shared responsibility woven into the fabric of our community. This vision extends to every corner of the Operational Area, where we strive for a culture where every resident, every organization, and every entity is prepared.
Visit the OEM Website: www.preparescc.org
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