Foster City Residents Advised to Prepare for Winter Storm

For immediate release: January 3, 2023

Contact: Priscilla Schaus, Communications Director/City Clerk, PSchaus@fostercity.org; (650) 286-3250

In preparation for the anticipated severe impact brought by the winter storm system to Foster City and surrounding areas, residents are urged to follow preparation and safety guidance to stay safe through the duration of the coming weather event.

During the storm, the safest thing you and your family can do is remain inside your home. If driving is required, avoid low lying areas and do not attempt to drive through flood waters. To report non-life-threatening flood emergencies, please contact the Police Department Business Line at (650) 286-3300. Please call 911 for any life-threatening emergencies.

The City has set up a sandbag filling station in the City Hall parking lot, but supplies are running low. Sand is being replenished periodically based on availability, but users are encouraged to bring their own plastic bags to fill as there is a regional sandbag shortage. Additional materials will be supplied as soon as possible, the community’s patience and cooperation is appreciated. The San Mateo County Department of Emergency Management is offering sandbags at the Grant Corporation Yard, 752 Chestnut Street, Redwood City. Because sandbag supplies are growing limited throughout the region, it is advisable to call (650) 363-4790 regarding availability.

Patrons to Foster City parks should be advised that park bathrooms will be locked and inaccessible on Wednesday, January 4. The Foster City Recreation Center at 650 Shell Blvd. has been identified as a temporary evacuation center. Lagoon water levels have been lowered in accordance with the regular winter schedule, and were lowered again in preparation for this storm. 

For the latest regional updates and safety information, residents are encouraged to sign up for SMC Alerts at www.smcalert.info. Additional preparation and safety resources from the San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department can be found at https://www.smcfire.org/divisions/community-risk-reduction/office-of-emergency-services/emergency-preparedness-resources/. Foster City will continue sharing the latest information regarding storm impacts on the City’s website at www.fostercity.org and the City’s social media platforms.

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