FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Liam Garland, Public Works Department
510-747-7900
Preparing for El Niño Storm Season in Alameda
As weather forecasters warn of El Niño drenching California this winter, the City of Alameda’s Public Works Department is preparing for it and advising Alameda residents to be ready.
“Godzilla Niño,” as it’s also called, could be one of the strongest El Niño weather patterns in recorded history, forecasters say.
While it is not expected to end California’s historic drought, storms from the weather system could cause flooding and interfere with the normal operation of Alameda’s streets, stormwater system, and local private property.
Even if major El Niño storms do not hit the Bay Area, there are still plenty of preparations to be made to help prevent flooding and other damage between November and March, our typical storm season.
Here is an update on what the City is doing and what residents can do to prepare:
Public Works - The department follows a preventative maintenance schedule for thousands of storm drain inlets and catch basins in Alameda, along with ten storm drain pump stations. Public Works checks the inlet and catch basins and removes litter and debris that might interfere with the proper drainage of stormwater. See Photo #1 below.
During the two months before the storm season, Public Works’ crews clear storm drain outfalls (see Photo #4 below) on large busy streets such as Park Street and Shore Line Drive, clear gutter areas that have flooding history, and update traffic signals’ back-up batteries.
More information will be shared on November 1st through a press release and Public Works’ website for the limited number of free sandbags provided to local residents for use during storm season.
Public Works also rechecks its equipment before the storm season, and coordinates with the City’s tree maintenance contractor to ensure its crews are available during and after hours to deal with fallen trees and tree limbs.
Maintenance workers also prepare by lowering lagoons to accept more stormwater and ensure the City has enough flooding signs, barricades, and temporary stop signs to use during storms.
Two days before a severe storm is forecast to arrive, Public Works street sweepers alter their typical schedule to pick up leaves and debris in high-priority areas. Alameda Police are notified of areas to suspend enforcement of street sweeping-related parking restrictions.
Alameda residents - During or after a storm, Alameda residents are asked to call the City at 510-747-7900 (or 510-337-8340 after 6:00 p.m.) to report fallen or weakened trees, piles of leaves or other debris in the street, non-working traffic signals and flooding into the traffic lane.
Residents can also help by:
- Hiring an arborist to inspect trees on private property that appear weakened, diseased, dying, and may be susceptible to damage in a storm.
- Repairing their roofs and clearing their gutters.
- Consider purchasing flood insurance or contents insurance for renters. Policies typically require a 30-day waiting period before a claimable event.
- Having an emergency plan for your family and a dry place for home supplies. Check http://www.bepreparedcalifornia.ca.gov for more information.
- Parking vehicles and putting waste containers one foot away from the curb so stormwater can flow unobstructed.
By working together, Alameda residents and the Public Works Department can help lessen the impacts of storms this season. Thank you for your help.
Photo 1: A catch basin with litter and debris
Photo 2: A street sweeper collecting leaves before the leaves clog up storm drains
Photo 3: A tree fallen during a 2014 storm
Photo 4: A storm drain outfall requiring periodic clearing
