Morgan Hill residents and business owners who fear their property is in danger of flooding due to the heavy rains expected over the next few days can prepare for the downpour with sandbags that are supplied at two self-serve locations.
Sand, empty bags and shovels are available at two locations in Morgan Hill – on Edes Court near the city’s corporation yard, and on Old Monterey Road near the El Toro Fire Station, according to the city’s website.
The supplies are offered by the City and the Santa Clara Valley Water District.
Downtown Morgan Hill and areas north and south are prone to flooding during heavy rains due to Upper Llagas Creek’s lack of capacity to carry the runoff from long, torrential downpours.
City staff do not think Wednesday’s rain or precipitation forecast through Sunday will be enough to flood the downtown because it is still early in the season, City Engineer Karl Bjarke said.
But residents and city staff have been surprised before. In 2009, for example, downtown Morgan Hill flooded Oct. 13 when more than seven inches of rain fell in less than 24 hours, resulting in more than $100,000 in public property damage.
In preparation for this week’s rain, city crews cleared debris out of storm drains and prepared generators in case they are needed, Bjarke said. City staff is also prepared to close any roads in town that might flood.
For more information on flood safety and preparation, visit the SCVWD website at www.valleywater.org.
