East Palo Alto

Sea level rise resulting from global climate change has the potential to alter the frequency and magnitude of flooding in low-lying areas of East Palo Alto. Sea level rise will make the City increasingly vulnerable to inundation during both normal high tides and major storm events, inundating both industrial and residential areas. East Palo Alto has a history of shoreline flooding due to its low-lying location along the San Francisco Bay, particularly in areas along San Francisquito Creek. Flooding has occurred primarily because of high tides, rain flowing down the San Francisquito Creek, and a limited storm drain system. High tides combined with winds from the east that create storm surge or wave run-up could lead to widespread and significant flooding, especially if precipitation exceeds the Creek’s capacity to carry floodwaters to the Bay.

East Palo Alto has a history of flooding problems due to its low-lying location along the bay, particularly in areas along San Francisquito Creek. As of 2015, many of the streets in East Palo Alto lack storm drains. Where storm drains exist, they lack the capacity to handle stormwater during heavy rain events. During major storm events in East Palo Alto, storm drains can overflow, flooding streets, and leaving parts of the city effectively stranded. Low-lying areas face extra risk of floods related to levee breaks, ruptures, or overtopping.