Executive Summary
- Menlo Park police issued a shelter-in-place alert for the Belle Haven neighborhood due to flash flooding.
- Authorities are assessing conditions for possible evacuations on Hamilton and Carlton avenues.
- A National Weather Service flood watch remains in effect for the area through Friday evening.
- PG&E reported nearly 6,000 power outages across San Mateo County during the storm.
MENLO PARK, Calif. — Authorities in Menlo Park issued a shelter-in-place alert and warned residents of potential evacuations early Christmas Eve morning following severe flash flooding in the Belle Haven neighborhood.
According to Menlo Park police, the emergency alert was distributed at approximately 5:20 a.m. on Wednesday, specifically targeting the 1300 block of Hamilton Avenue and Carlton Avenue extending from Willow Road. Emergency officials urged individuals located outside the immediate zone to avoid the area to facilitate ongoing safety assessments by first responders.
Law enforcement officials emphasized the extreme dangers associated with traveling through inundated roadways. Police explicitly warned drivers against bypassing established barricades, noting that entering flooded areas poses a severe risk of serious injury or death. Menlo Park fire and police units remain on the scene to monitor water levels and communicate directly with residents regarding necessary evacuation protocols.
The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for the region, including Menlo Park, which remains in effect through Friday evening. Additionally, a wind advisory was scheduled from 8 p.m. on December 24 through 10 a.m. on December 25. Data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration indicated that nearby Palo Alto recorded 0.28 inches of rain within a six-hour window, contributing to the rapid accumulation of water.
The storm system also disrupted infrastructure, with Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) reporting significant power outages across San Mateo County. According to utility data, approximately 5,885 customers were affected by 83 separate outages on Christmas Eve, including disruptions at Half Moon Bay Airport. Within Menlo Park, 48 customers in a commercial district on Bohannon Drive lost power due to the weather conditions.
Emergency Response Outlook
The convergence of flash flooding and high winds presents a continued hazard for San Mateo County infrastructure and residents. As emergency crews continue to assess the structural integrity of flooded roadways and the stability of power lines, the primary focus for local authorities remains the coordination of potential evacuations and the restoration of essential services. Residents in low-lying areas are advised to maintain readiness for rapid displacement should water levels rise further, while utility crews work to address the widespread electrical disruptions affecting the broader county.
