New Atmospheric River Storm Expected To Arrive In Pleasanton

PLEASANTON, CA — Another Atmospheric River driven storm is expected to hit Pleasanton in what the National Weather Service is calling a "direct threat to life and property."

The expectation of another round of heavy rains prompted the NWS to issue a region-wide flood watch scheduled to go into effect from 10 p.m. Monday to 4 a.m. Wednesday.

Widespread and potentially significant wind impacts are also expected in Pleasanton. Winds are expected to gust up to 52 mph Tuesday. A High Wind Warning and Flood Watch have also been issued from 11 p.m. Monday to 5 a.m. Wednesday.

Thunderstorms are expected Monday night, and on Tuesday, 1.06 inches of rain are expected to fall over 8 hours.

2.71 inches of rain fell in Del Valle Park from Thursday through Monday, according to the Bay Area News Group. Pleasanton didn't see much flooding, but the city received several reports of fallen trees that were quickly cleared, according to city spokesperson Heather Tiernan. On Friday evening, a sound wall fell on Valley Avenue between Northway and Crestlin roads, which blocked a sidewalk. The fallen sound wall was removed, and a temporary fence was put up in its place, but the sidewalk remains closed temporarily.

All eastbound lanes of Stanley Boulevard near the Shadow Cliffs Recreation Area are also closed due to an eroded portion of the sidewalk. The road is maintained by the county, but the city will continue to provide updates.

A bulletin issued by the National Weather Service Monday morning said that highly saturated soils paired with elevated river and streams levels made more water-related impacts a “sure bet," during the storm which is expected to bring "notable and potentially long-lasting impacts to our area."

The bulk of the rain is expected after 1 a.m. Tuesday morning.

In addition to flooding, the potential for shallow landslides and debris flows will also increase with travel impacts likely to develop starting Monday night, the weather service said, adding that hazardous travel conditions are likely to exist into at least Wednesday and potentially beyond for some areas.

"This is shaping up to be a significant system with the potential for wide-reaching and long-lasting impacts," NWS said. "Now is the time to prepare. Get gas for generators, clean storm drains and gutters, tie down or move loose objects inside. Make sure you have extra supplies, food, and necessary medications in case roads are closed or power outages last for several days. Pack a 'go bag' to help evacuate quickly if you live in a flood prone location. Avoid unnecessary travel and stay safe!"

Local resources

Sandbags are available at the City’s Operations Services Department at 3333 Busch Road and at a new location at Ken Mercer Sports Park at 5800 Parkside Drive.

The Alameda County Public Works Agency also has sandbags available at their Maintenance and Operations Corporation Yard at 4825 Gleason Drive. Zone 7 Water Agency is also offering pre-filled sandbags at the Parkside Administrative Building on 5997 Parkside Drive.

For a full list of storm safety tips, local contacts, and closures, visit the city’s Storm Update page.
See here for further resources, tips, and useful contact information.

To receive local emergency notifications, text your zip code to 888–777. For Alameda County notifications, sign up for AC Alerts here.

To report flooding, damage, or other hazards, call the Pleasanton Operation Services Department at 925-931-550 during business hours, 925-931-5100 after-hours, or email osd@cityofpleasantonca.gov.

To report downed power or electrical lines, contact PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.

— Patch editor Kim Olson Harris contributed to this report.