Rising Creek Causes Flooding on Hwy 101 in Palo Alto

The rising waters of San Francisquito Creek are causing severe flooding on northbound U.S. Highway 101 in the East Palo Alto and Palo Alto area, officials said this evening.

Palo Alto police have issued an alert stating that northbound lanes on U.S. Highway 101 north of Embarcadero are closed due to flooding. The California Highway Patrol confirmed severe flooding on the roadway just north of Embarcadero Road, but said the freeway remains open so far. However, nearby West Bayshore Road is closed between Embarcadero and San Antonio roads, according to the CHP.

Menlo Park Fire Protection District officials warned earlier this evening that San Francisquito Creek was expected to go over its banks at the Pope Chaucer Bridge on the border between Menlo Park and Palo Alto and at West Bayshore Road near U.S. Highway 101 in East Palo Alto.

The creek runs through both residential and commercial areas and has a history of flooding. Fire Chief Harold Schapelhouman said that in previous flooding incidents the fire department has had to rescue literally hundreds of people from apartment buildings in the area. In addition, parking garages in the area are likely to flood, meaning any cars that don't get moved may get damaged.

Emergency alerts have been sent out to residents who registered for them, and police and fire units have been moving through the area broadcasting flood warnings to residents.

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