Weather and safety conditions have improved. All outdoor activities may resume with caution . Please drive safely on campus roads, and avoid driving through standing water. The San Mateo County Community College District will continue to send emergency notifications and updates as needed. Below is a current radar of the Bay Area storm cell.
Power to campus has been restored. The Cañada College campus will reopen for in-person classes only at 5 p.m. on Feb. 22, 2023.
Normal Cañada College operations will resume on Thursday, February 23, 2023 for the Cañada College campus and the Cañada Athletic Center.
Due to the continued power outage, Cañada College will remain closed between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Wednesday, February 22, 2023 for classes and business operations.
Essential employees (Facilities, Public Safety, ITS) are to report to work. Employees and students, work remotely/online during regularly scheduled hours, if possible.
We will reevaluate evening in-person courses that take place on campus between 5 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. and will deliver any further closure notices by 1 p.m.
Due to the continued power outage, Cañada College will remain closed for Wednesday, February 23, 2023. Essential employees (Facilities & Public Safety) are to report to work. Employees and students, work remotely/online if possible. Next update to come at 12 p.m. or as conditions change.
(Taken From CNN)
https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/04/weather/severe-storm-tornado-threat-south-wednesday/index.html
California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a statewide emergency declaration Wednesday, clearing the way to quickly disseminate aid for those affected by the winter storms wreaking havoc on the drought-plagued state, said Nancy Ward, state director of emergency services, during a news conference.
California’s latest dangerous storm is the result of a strong “atmospheric river” – a long, narrow region in the atmosphere that can carry moisture thousands of miles. Northern California and the Bay Area will see the worst impacts through the day Wednesday and Thursday as heavy rain and hurricane-force wind gusts move onshore.
The storm became a bomb cyclone Wednesday, after it rapidly strengthened while still offshore. A bomb cyclone is an area of low pressure that intensifies by 24 millibars within 24 hours. Millibars are a unit used to measure atmospheric pressure.
Along with very heavy rainfall, winds gusting as high as 60 to 80 mph will be possible.
“If these winds do materialize, the threat for scattered to widespread power outages and property damage will greatly increase,” the weather service office in San Francisco warned.
“A plethora of hazards are forecast, with heavy rain and strong winds expected to be the most widespread impact. Widespread rainfall amounts of 3 to 6 inches are anticipated, with locally higher amounts throughout the coastal ranges and over northern California,” the weather service said.
While those expected rainfall amounts wouldn’t normally have major impacts, the state recently saw heavy rain that left soil saturated and susceptible to flooding and landslides, the weather service said.
Northern California in particular was inundated with heavy snowfall and deadly flooding over the weekend, prompting evacuation orders and water rescues. That raised questions over how much the precipitation would put a dent in California’s ongoing drought conditions.
The first snow survey of the season in the Sierra Nevada Mountains released Tuesday shows the current snowpack is well ahead of average for this time of year, according to a release from the California Department of Water Resources.
California braces for more ‘brutal’ flooding and mudslides as experts warn it won’t quench historic drought
The Sierra snowpack makes up about 30% of California’s water needs on average, according to the department.
The snow depth measured Tuesday at Phillips Station, just south of Lake Tahoe, was 55.5 inches. Statewide, the snowpack is at 174% of average for this date, the agency said.
However, experts caution that despite the deluge – and expected precipitation over the coming week – the drought isn’t over yet.
“The significant Sierra snowpack is good news but unfortunately these same storms are bringing flooding to parts of California,” Department of Water Resources Director Karla Nemeth said in a news release.
“This is a prime example of the threat of extreme flooding during a prolonged drought as California experiences more swings between wet and dry periods brought on by our changing climate.”
Because of the yearslong drought, the ground can only absorb so much water and in many areas has already reached its saturation point from storms in late December and over New Year’s weekend. As a result, the influx of water is running off, leading to major flooding in places.
“This is an extreme weather event and we’re moving from extreme drought to extreme floods. What that means is a lot of our trees are stressed after three years of intensive drought,” Nemeth said. “The ground is saturated, and there is a significant chance of downed trees that will create significant problems – potentially flooding problems, potentially power problems.”
The concerns are especially high in areas recently charred by wildfire, where residents are being warned to prepare for possible evacuations.
“We’re also monitoring very closely burn scar areas,” said Nemeth. “If you are in an area that has burned recently, again, we urge you to stay connected with county (Office of Emergency Services). These kinds of events can trigger mudslides and significant debris flow. So be ready to evacuate as needed.”
And the stormy weather isn’t going to let up anytime soon. More rain is expected through the weekend, though the specific impacts aren’t clear yet.
“The message to convey is resiliency as this is not a ‘one and done’ storm,” the weather service in San Francisco said.
The College of San Mateo will be standing up an overflow shelter for those impacted by local storms. The primary San Mateo County Shelter Location will be at the Vagabond Inn:
San Mateo County will update and provide contact information.
College of San Mateo
WHAT: A temporary shelter will be created in the gyms at the College of San Mateo for those who have to evacuate from their homes due to the inclement weather.
WHERE: Building 8, in the main gym, with evacuees utilizing the restrooms and showers. Parking lot utilized will be LOT C. Follow County signage.
WHEN: The shelter will be set up Tuesday January 3rd 2023-January 7th 2023
IMPACTS: If the SMCCCD gyms are utilized for shelter evacuees, impacts to District instruction and business will remain minimal, as the Semester is in waiting.
HIGH WIND WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE TUESDAY NIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING…
WHAT…Southerly winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph possible in valley locations. 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph possible for mountain areas. Local gusts to around 70 mph possible.
WHERE…Entire Bay Area and Monterey Bay Regions. Including Sonoma, Napa, Marin, Contra Costa, Alameda, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey Counties.
WHEN…From late Tuesday night through Thursday morning.
IMPACTS…Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are possible. Falling trees cause a significant threat to life and property. Travel could be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.
A potent storm will move into the region Wednesday and continue into Thursday. This will bring substantial rainfall to the Bay Area and Monterey Bay region on top of already saturated soils. As a result, look for rapid rises in area creeks, streams, and rivers. Bank full exceedance is possible. In addition, strong gusty winds will bring branches and trees down, which may cause localized damming of water ways. Rain will taper by Thursday afternoon, allowing for rivers to level off and begin to lower.
…FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE TUESDAY NIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY AFTERNOON…
WHAT…Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible.
WHERE…Bay Area and Monterey Bay Regions. Including Sonoma, Napa, Marin, Contra Costa, Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey Counties.
WHEN…From late Tuesday night through Thursday afternoon.
IMPACTS…Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.
Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Low-water crossings may be flooded. Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris.
Extensive street flooding and flooding of creeks and rivers are possible.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS…
http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Instructions: You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to act should flooding develop.
An excessive heat warning was issued Wednesday morning by the National Weather Service as an area of high pressure settled over the western United States. The excessive heat warning is the highest alert issued by the NWS, and was upgraded from an excessive heat watch issued on Monday. (Whiting, 2022)
The California grid operator is asking Californians to reduce their electricity use between 4 and 9pm on Thursday through Tuesday to ease the strain on the power grid caused by high temperatures and air conditioning use — for example by setting the thermostat to 78 degrees or higher (and 85 degrees for those who are not at home). Another energy-saving request has already been issued for Thursday between 4 and 9pm, and more such requests, known as Flex Alerts, are likely during the Labor Day weekend as the worst of the heat wave hits.
Meteorologists predict all-time daily records on Saturday in Gilroy at 107, and Sunday in Livermore where it may approach or top the 113 degree set in 1950. Regionally, all areas were expected to record temperatures between 10 and 25 degrees above the daily average for Sunday and Monday.
What can you do?
Take measures to stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay informed. Getting too hot can make you sick. You can become ill from the heat if your body can’t compensate for it and properly cool you off. The main things affecting your body’s ability to cool itself during extremely hot weather are:
People aged 65 and older are at high risk for heat-related illnesses.
Those who are at highest risk include people 65 and older, children younger than two, and people with chronic diseases or mental illness.
Closely monitor people who depend on you for their care and ask these questions:
People at greatest risk for heat-related illness can take the following protective actions to prevent illness or death:
Even young and healthy people can get sick from the heat if they participate in strenuous physical activities during hot weather:
If you play a sport that practices during hot weather, protect yourself and look out for your teammates:
Everyone should take these steps to prevent heat-related illnesses, injuries, and death during hot weather:
***For more information: visit the CDC at https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/features/extremeheat/index.html
Federal and state public health agencies continue to monitor and provide guidance relating to novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). While there has been an increase in cases worldwide, local public health agencies believe that the health risk to the general public in the Bay Area remains low.
The California Department of Public Health has issued this guidance for colleges and universities: “Travelers from mainland China arriving in the United States since February 3, 2020, should stay home from school for 14 days, beginning the day after they left China.” As such, managers are asked to make accommodations for any employees who may fall into this circumstance.
We understand that there may be anxiety among some regarding this virus, and understandably so. However, we remind all faculty, staff and students that ensuring a safe, supportive, and positive district climate reflects our core values and is essential to quality learning and support for every student. In light of the fact that travel restrictions regarding novel coronavirus are focused on mainland China, we urge everyone to avoid behaviors and conversations that may stigmatize students, their families, or members of our district community.
To protect your health and that of others, there are some important and simple steps that all of us can take to help prevent the spread of illnesses, including influenza:
For more information about healthy habits to help prevent the flu, visit the CDC site at: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/actions-prevent-flu.htm and for more information regarding coronavirus (COVID-19), visit the California Department of Public Health site at: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/nCOV2019.aspx.
