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Storm Center

February 2024 storm 

Feb. 14 - Here is the archived post about the February 2024 Cyclone Bomb Weather Event.
Feb. 9, 8 a.m.:
Information about the storm event, resources and recovery support for residents can be found on the incident information page: https://readymontereycounty.org/emergency/2024-february-winter-storms


EOC-3




during and before the storm
See a pothole in Monterey? Send us a Service Request and we will fix it!

city staff storm preparedness
EOC-Activation1-Mar14-2023With heavy rain here and in the forecast, City crews are working to prevent localized flooding with routine roadway sweeping, cleaning catch basins before, during, and after storm events, clearing storm headwalls, and checking the functioning of outfall slide gates so El Estero lake doesn't overflow. Sand and sandbags are available at #Monterey, Pacific Grove, and Carmel fire stations (except the Airport fire station) for residents and businesses who need them.

What you can do: Residents can prepare by ensuring driveway drains and gutters are clear of debris, and routinely check them. If you see localized flooding of city streets please call (831) 646-3927, or the police non-emergency number (831) 646-3914. Be careful on the roadways - allow for extra travel time and leave more space between you and the car ahead.

Here are some initial tips we recommend:
Sign up for alerts.
Awareness keeps us safe, and the county’s alert and warning systems have grown to notify residents of an emergency in their area early and accurately. (alertmontereycounty.org)
Make a plan. In cases where your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, it's important to know which types of disasters could affect your area and how you’ll reconnect if separated.
Build a kit. You might have to rely on yourself to survive shortly after an emergency. Putting together a kit requires having enough food, water, and other essentials for many days on your own.

When storms cause major flooding or damage due to fallen trees or power outages, we are ready to help the community with information they need to stay safe. Follow @cityofmonterey on the social channels. Let's be prepared together!

The City of Monterey Emergency Operations Center (ECO) will be activated as needed to respond to storm or other emergency impacts. The photo below is from the an EOC activation during the March 2023 atmospheric river storms.

WHAT else IS THE CITY DOING TO PREPARE?

When a major emergency happens within city limits, the City of Monterey will likely open its Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The EOC is located in a secure facility where City departments can work closely together to coordinate the emergency response, allocate resources, and support management of the incident. City staff conduct regular training drills to prepare for various emergencies, including storms.

If the EOC is activated, the latest information on the situation will be posted on the City website, as soon as it is available. The City will also use the media, Alert! Monterey County, Twitter and other methods to get information out quickly to the public.

Power Outages

  • PG&E Electric Outage Center & Storm Safety - including outage map, contact info, outage preparedness and more - or call 1-800-743-5002
  • Have battery-operated flashlights and radios with fresh batteries ready. Listen for updates on storm conditions and power outages.
  • If you have a telephone system that requires electricity to work (such as a cordless phone or answering machine), plan for alternate communication - have a standard telephone handset, cellular telephone or pager ready as a back up.
  • If the situation creates a power outage, please tune your radio to: Radio 1610 AM - Your Information Station The recorded message is updated regularly during emergency situations.

Stormy Weather Safety Tips

  • Treat all downed power lines as if they are "live" or energized. Keep yourself and others away from them. Call 911, then notify PG&E at (800) 743-5002.
  • Use battery-operated flashlights, not candles.
  • Customers with generators should make sure they are properly installed by a licensed electrician. Improperly installed generators pose a significant danger to our crews.
  • Unplug or turn off all electric appliances to avoid overloading circuits and fire hazards when power is restored. Simply leave a single lamp on to alert you when power returns. Turn your appliances back on one at a time when conditions return to normal.

Checking Utilities

  • Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if you can and call the gas company from a neighbor's home. If you turn off the gas for any reason, it must be turned back on by a professional.
  • If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice.
  • If you suspect sewage lines are damaged, avoid using the toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid using water from the tap. You can obtain safe water by melting ice cubes.

After the Storm