Half Moon Bay – A powerful winter storm is expected to slam into the Bay Area starting Wednesday, prompting safety warnings from local emergency officials.
A flood watch is in effect for much of San Mateo County starting 10 p.m. Wednesday through 10 p.m. Saturday.
“Fast-rising water can quickly turn deadly. Two feet of water can sweep a car, truck or SUV off the road,” warned Ryan Reynolds of the San Mateo County Department of Emergency Management. “We can’t stress enough: Never drive into flooded areas. Turn around, don’t drown.”
Waves of up to 40 feet are expected to batter the coast starting Thursday afternoon.
“On a stormy day, the allure of big surf may be tempting, but please remember that winter storm tidal conditions can quickly turn dangerous and even deadly,” said David Cosgrave of the Department of Emergency Management. “For both beachgoers and mariners, the ocean can be a powerful and unpredictable force.”
With a major storm moving in, here are steps you can take to prepare yourself and your family for the upcoming storm:
- Drive safely: Exercise extreme caution while driving. Reduce speed, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and avoid flooded roads and downed power lines. Remember: Turn Around. Don’t Drown.
- Make a communications plan: Start by writing down and carrying with you essential telephone numbers: family members, loved ones and neighbors, for instance. (If your smartphone’s battery dies, do you know the numbers off the top of your head?)
- Sign up for SMC Alert: SMC Alert is San Mateo County’s primary alert and warning system that can contact you by text, email or phone. Alerts may include life safety, fire, weather, accidents involving utilities or roadways, evacuation directions or disaster notifications. Some cities or agencies operate their own alert systems. Search “emergency alerts (with your city or area).”
- Prepare for power outages: If the power goes out, never heat your home with a camp stove, oven or charcoal-burning device. Ensure flashlights and battery-powered radios are accessible, along with a supply of fresh batteries. Charge mobile devices in advance and consider backup power solutions if possible. If you have a generator, remember to operate it outdoors and away from windows to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Here’s where to find the outage map for Pacific Gas & Electric and where to sign up for alerts.
- Prepare an emergency supply kit. Your experience after an emergency can range from inconvenient to disastrous. Being prepared with the right supplies can make all the difference. You can add extras that match your family's needs. Here’s how to get started.
- Know where to find sandbags and how to use them.
- Never, ever turn your back on the ocean. “If you plan to witness the surf or be near the ocean, keep a safe distance from the shoreline and never turn your back on the ocean or approach cliffs/ eroding areas,” Cosgrave said. “Always check weather alerts and tidal forecasts, and never underestimate the power of the ocean, especially in a storm.”
Powerful waves are predicted for the San Mateo County coast, like this one from a 2024 storm.
Michelle Durand
Chief Communications Officer
mdurand@smcgov.org