Significant storms with heavy rain and wind are expected Wednesday and Thursday. Per the National Weather Service, a strong storm will be arriving on Wednesday, with the period of highest rainfall occurring beginning Wednesday afternoon and lasting overnight into early Thursday morning. This means that the majority of the rain will fall after dark, and any flooding risk that may occur will likely happen during the nighttime hours. There is also a high wind watch in effect for the same period, with gusts of wind exceeding 50 mph. Compared to the impacts of the December 31 storm, the National Weather Service says to expect similar or worse impacts because of the storm arriving tomorrow.
Report non-emergency flooding issues to the City of Morgan Hill at (408) 776-7333, or you can call or text (669) 286-0315 24 hours a day during the flood event. Remember that our Morgan Hill Police Dispatchers will be extremely busy. Non-emergency police issues can be reported at (408)779-2101. Please be sure to use 911 only in cases of emergency.
Storm Preparations Continue. City staff has been focused on cleaning up from the December 31 storm and is preparing for the upcoming storm. Crews are continuing efforts to prepare the storm drain system for the coming storm and are staging equipment near areas where it will be needed most to facilitate a quick response once the storm hits. We are in regular communication with our regional partners regarding preparations.
Overnight Cold Weather Shelter. The City's overnight cold weather shelter located at 17640 Crest Avenue (behind 711 on W. Main Ave) will be open Wednesday, January 4, from 7 pm to 7 am and on Thursday, January 5, from 7 pm to 7 am.
Warming Centers. The Morgan Hill Library, 660 W. Main Ave, and the Centennial Recreation Center (CRC), 171 W. Edmundson Ave. (behind AutoZone on Monterey Rd.) will be open during normal business hours as warming centers.
PREPARE NOW FOR THE UPCOMING STORM
Prepare now, and assist neighbors. Residents in flood-risk areas should take precautions and prepare now to safeguard your home as much as possible, particularly if your neighborhood experienced flooding during the December 31 storm event. Please be a good neighbor and offer your assistance to your neighbors if you’re able.
Sandbags. The two sandbag stations are located near the El Toro Fire Station and the intersection of Old Monterey and Monterey Roads, and the City's Corporation yard, 100 Edes Court. Staff are regularly monitoring supply levels of sandbag supplies at our two sandbag stations and replenishing as needed. Some City-provided shovels are available for your use, but you may want to bring your own shovel.
Storm drains. If you have a storm drain inlet near your home in the street, consider using a rake and clearing any debris (leaves, tree branches, etc.) that may have accumulated over the grate. If possible, please place organic matter into your compost bins. This will help reduce ponding on our roadways for the next storm.
Stay informed of current and forecast conditions. Monitor changes in the weather forecast. Get notifications from the City via AlertSCC, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor, and the Police Department’s Facebook.
Prepare now for how to turn off your home’s electrical power and gas, just in case. Take the time now to locate your home's electrical breaker box and gas turn-off valve. If water floods your home high enough that it might reach electrical outlets or any gas-powered appliance (furnace, hot water heater, gas-powered stove, etc.), immediately turn off the electrical power to your home by flipping all circuit breakers, and immediately turn off the gas to your home.
For other ways to be storm-ready, visit the County's website at https://emergencymanagement.sccgov.org/residents/flood-safety.