Wet Weather Update

Public Works presented a timely update on Dec. 15th on the final phase of the Wet Weather Plan rolled out in Spring 2023 after the serious NY’s Eve flooding in several parts of San Mateo. 

Funds raised from the 2023 voter-approved Community Flood and Storm Protection Fee ballot initiative have enabled staff to consistently inspect and clean the City’s catch basins and pipes, City-owned trash capture devices, trash racks and storm pump station wet wells.  Three sandbag stations have been deployed throughout San Mateo (our closest being at the Beresford Park Parking Lot).  Additional activities are underway to improve San Mateo Creek drainage at Arroyo Court, spot dredge Marina Lagoon, and complete a Stormwater Master Plan.  

These activities were key in handling the late December rains (up to 1.5” and 53 MPH forecast).  Public Works took resident calls from Wed., Dec. 23 through the weekend.  Several trees were downed or damaged, including a major limb from the historic Bay Tree on Fifth and Dartmouth.  Due to preventative actions taken by staff, however, there were no sanitary sewer overflows reported and all pump stations worked as planned.

These initiatives kept our city safe during this week’s fierce storms.  But be prepared! All San Mateans should sign up for emergency alerts at smcalert.info and check weather.gov/mtr for updates.