Santa Clara County Gears Up for Rainy Season: Santa Clara Valley Water District, in conjunction with Santa Clara County and the city of San Jose, issued a public alert on Wednesday, highlighting the potential flood risks in the upcoming rainy season. Brian Garcia, the warning coordination meteorologist for the National Weather Service in the Bay Area, warned of a higher likelihood of above-normal rainfall according to forecasts from the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration’s climate prediction center.
Last winter, the region experienced record-setting rainfall and snowfall due to numerous atmospheric river storms. These storms resulted in power outages and fallen trees, causing issues in low-lying and poorly drained areas. Blocked culverts and storm drains exacerbated the problem, affecting communities and roads in Santa Clara County.
To address potential flooding, officials have taken proactive measures, including the filling of 97,000 sandbags, sediment removal from creeks and streams, and levee repairs. Melanie Richardson, assistant chief executive officer for Valley Water, highlighted the efforts, mentioning the recent sediment removal from Lower Silver Creek in East San Jose.
San Jose City Council member Domingo Candelas emphasized the city’s preparations, including the upgrading of storm water drainage systems and collaborative assessments with the county to identify high-risk areas.
Residents in Santa Clara County are encouraged to visit valley water website. The website provides essential information on obtaining free-filled sandbags, downloading disaster emergency warning apps, signing up for alerts, creating household flood plans, and checking flood zone status. These resources aim to empower residents to prepare effectively for potential flooding during the upcoming rainy season.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Why does San Jose get less rain?
As air moves over the mountains, it descends when it reaches the valley. This causes a decrease in the lifting mechanism required for clouds to form and rain to fall. The amount of rainfall in the San Jose region is mainly influenced by the topography, with a gradual decrease in rainfall from the south to the north.
What type of climate is San Jose?
San Jose, much like the rest of the Bay Area, boasts a Mediterranean climate (Köppen Csa). This means that summers are warm to hot and dry, while winters are cool and wet. With an average of 298 days of sunshine and an annual mean temperature of 60.5 °F (15.8 °C), San Jose is a great place to enjoy the outdoors.