Storm Information & Resources
Before the Storm
- If you live in a burn scar area and are concerned that this storm may cause unsafe conditions to your home, leave the area before rain starts. Do not wait for an official evacuation notification to leave.
- Information about sandbags and protecting your home from flooding can be found below
- Secure outdoor furniture, umbrellas, and loose items that could create hazards during strong winds.
- Charge cell phones, flashlight batteries, hot spot Internet devices and other items should the power go out.
During the Storm
- If you feel unsafe during the storm, shelter in place in your home by gathering your family and pets in the innermost room of your house, preferably on the top floor if you live in a multi-story home.
- Do not attempt to drive at night or while it is raining, as roads may be damaged and your car may be swept away by moving water or debris.
- Click here for additional power outage safety tips.
After the Storm
- Following a storm, roads may be impacted and immediate access in or out of the area cannot be guaranteed.
- Crews will clear roads of standing water, mud and rockslides when it is safe to do so.
- Stay away from downed power lines.
- Residents must be prepared to stay in or away from their home for multiple days during and after rain events. See below for what should go in your home or car emergency kit.
- Food safety tips during a power outage
- Additional severe weather safety tips
10 Steps to Take Now to Protect Yourself Before & During the Storm
See a list of steps to take now to protect yourself, your family and your property.
How to Manage During a Power Outage
- Milpitas Sandbag Locations
- How to Fill a Sandbag (JPG)
- Using a sandbag to keep water out (flyer)
- Flood Safety
- Valley Water Flood Alerts
- Flood Insurance
- Standard homeowner's insurance doesn't cover flooding. There is typically a 30-day wait period between when you buy a flood insurance policy and when it goes into effect, but there are some exceptions. Learn how to protect yourself financially.
- Overnight Warming Locations/Shelter Services
- Milpitas Library (warming center)
- Cold Weather Safety
- HomeFirst Services
- Call 408-539-2105
- Email HomeFirst Services Outreach
- Public Works Emergency Hotline After Hours/Milpitas PD
- Call 408-586-2400
- PG&E Outage Information
- Santa Clara County Road Closure Map
- 511 Traffic Alerts
- Sign up for AlertSCC
- National Weather Service Warning System
- The National Weather Service issues weather advisories and watches when the weather forecast indicates there is a potential for hazardous conditions. Watches and advisories are shared online at Weather.gov and on the National Weather Service social media Facebook and Twitter feeds.
- The National Weather Service will issue a Warning if hazardous conditions are imminent or occurring within the burn areas. The National Weather Service sends Warnings over the Wireless Emergency Alerts system that will send a message to all cell phones in the storm areas and will also send out alerts through the Emergency Alert System that broadcasts on radios and televisions.
- National Weather Service Interactive Map