We thank you for your continued vigilance, support, and teamwork as we respond to the recent storms together, as a community. As we continue to address impacts of last week's storm, and prepare for upcoming rains, we have an extensive update that we hope you will read carefully and share with your neighbors. This update will provide additional information on the scale of the flooding and response provided.
DECEMBER 31 IMPACTS
On December 31, the Town experienced considerable flooding, the extent of which was unprecedented in the forty years since the Town incorporated in 1982. The efforts of our public safety and public works personnel were initially focused on responding to calls and assisting persons that were experiencing flooding affecting their homes and property. The efforts of the Town Police Department and Maintenance Services staff have been as strong as the storm itself, as well as the efforts of the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District which has been responding to calls throughout their service area, including Danville.
The Town experienced 5.5 inches of rainfall within less than 24 hours. The intensity and magnitude of the storm was such that storm drainage systems including creeks and storm drains were overwhelmed. Though the Town takes great care to undertake annual prewinter clean-up of Town-maintained creeks and storm drains (approximately 4,700 inlets in total), the magnitude of the storm exceeded the capacity of the system to carry the amount of water generated in numerous locations throughout town. As a result, water flowed into streets in some areas, carrying with it mud and organic debris. This resulted in the need for street closures, and numerous persons who attempted to navigate these areas were either forced to abandon their vehicles or had to be rescued.
Stormwater affected private property and damaged numerous homes. In addition to the flooding, the rain triggered mudslides, at least two of which resulted in road closures, including Diablo Road and Sycamore Valley Road. As we’ve all seen through various local media reports, what occurred in Danville was experienced in numerous other Bay Area communities. The National Weather Service reported that Saturday was the second wettest in some Bay Area cities since they began keeping records in the 1850s.
RECOVERY AND REMOVAL OF DEBRIS
Recovery efforts on January 1 and 2 have been and are focused on removing enough mud to make streets passable. We expect this work to take days and most likely weeks. The Town has had multiple crews performing this work over the past two days and these efforts will continue. With over 150 miles of public streets in Danville, work is being performed as expeditiously as possible, utilizing backhoes, bobcats and shovels. The consistency of the material being removed also makes the removal challenging, and while the focus is on making roads passable, residents living along streets that have been impacted should expect that the condition of those streets will require some time for full recovery. Clean-up work is currently focused in the Brookside Drive neighborhood, and some streets have already been cleared.
WHAT RESIDENTS CAN DO
Residents have expressed concerns about potential upcoming storms on Wednesday, January 4 and Thursday, January 5 and have inquired regarding steps that they can take to prevent flooding. Residents should check drain inlets and facilities located on their property to ensure that they are unobstructed and free flowing. In addition, for those who may have storm drain catch basins located on the street in front of near their homes, take few minutes to clear debris that may have accumulated around the drain, which could potentially clog the drain once additional rainfall occurs. We greatly appreciate the community’s support and partnership in keeping our Town safe.
Speaking of safety, please report any urgent safety-related concerns to the Police Department at 925-820-2144. Please use extreme caution if you must drive through mud-filled roads, as the surface can be slippery.
As the extreme weather continues to impact the area, sandbag supplies are limited throughout the region. The Town is calling on all available resources to re-stock, and will continue to replenish supply as sand is available.
To request non-urgent assistance for clean-up or other concerns, residents can contact Danville Maintenance Services at 925-314-3450 or use the Town’s online reporting site at www.danville.ca.gov/danvilleconnect.
Please continue to monitor ongoing weather events through the National Weather Service Bay Area page: www.weather.gov/mtr