Warming Centers Open Today in Santa Clara County as Another Atmospheric River Brings More Rain and Wind to the Region

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIF. – Warming centers are open as another atmospheric river moves through the region, bringing high winds that can down trees and lead to power outages, particularly over the Santa Cruz Mountains, East Bay Hills and Diablo Range. The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory for the Bay Area until 9 p.m. tonight, Tuesday, March 21, 2023. Though the rain impacts are forecast to be less than previous storms, saturated soils may result in minor urban and small stream flooding, along with shallow landslides and rockslides.
 
Rainfall and snowmelt will lead to rapid rises of area rivers, streams, and creeks. Ponding of water in low-lying and poor drainage areas, including near-blocked culverts and storm drains, will also impact Santa Clara County communities and roadways. Roadway flooding, including flash flooding, is likely to occur and lead to longer commute times. Heavy rain on wildfire burn scars may result in mud and debris flows, with localized mudslides also possible along steep hillsides. For flood safety information, visit www.PrepareSCC.org/Flood.
 
The County’s Office of Supportive Housing encourages community members and people who are unsheltered to take precautions against hypothermia and to go to warming centers.
 
Outreach workers, community partners and volunteers are visiting encampments to distribute blankets, ponchos, tarps and tents while providing information about warming centers to people who are unsheltered. The Here 4 You Hotline at 408-385-2400 will operate with extended hours of 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. during the inclement weather period. Community members must state that they are seeking inclement weather beds when calling for shelter.
 
Unsheltered individuals in San José can seek an Overnight Warming Location (OWL) bed by calling the referral line at 408-539-2105, or by emailing [email protected].
 
For a complete list of warming center locations and hours of operation, visit www.PrepareSCC.org/ColdWeather.  
 
Central Park Library
2635 Homestead Road
Santa Clara, CA 95051
Hours of Operation:
Tues., Mar. 21 from 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Wed., Mar. 22 from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
 
Mission Branch Library
1098 Lexington Street
Santa Clara, CA 95050
Hours of Operation:
Tues., Mar. 21 from 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Wed., Mar. 22 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
 
Northside Branch Library
695 Moreland Way
Santa Clara, CA 95054
Hours of Operation:
Tues., Mar. 21 from 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Wed., Mar. 22 from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
 
Santa Clara Community Recreation Center
969 Kiely Blvd
Santa Clara, CA 95051
Hours of Operation:
Tues., Mar. 21 – Wed., Mar. 22 from 8:30 am – 6 p.m.
 
Santa Clara Senior Center
1303 Fremont St.
Santa Clara, CA 95050
Hours of Operations:
Tues., Mar. 21 – Wed., Mar. 22 from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
 
Cold Weather Safety Tips:

• Do not burn charcoal or other flammable materials in an enclosed space to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Drive slowly and be on the lookout for hazardous travel with slick road conditions including possible ponding on roads and freeway off-ramps and minor flooding in low-lying or poor drainage areas.
• Unsheltered community members, older adults, children and those with access and functional needs should seek shelter now as they are at higher risks hypothermia.
• Avoid being outside during the coldest part of the day, or for extended periods of time in extreme cold weather.
• Dress in layers, wear a hat, scarf, gloves and mittens, and waterproof, insulated boots to avoid hypothermia or frostbite.
• Get out of wet clothes as soon as possible to reduce the risk of hypothermia.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water with electrolytes.
• Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol and non-prescription medication while staying outside as it may lead to death or serious injury.
• Seek medical attention immediately and call 9-1-1 if someone is experiencing hypothermia.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a medical emergency that happens when your body loses heat faster than it can produce heat, causing a dangerously low body temperature. Normal body temperature is about 98.6 F, and hypothermia occurs when your body temperature drops below 95 F.
 
People who are 65 and older or very young children are at a higher risk of hypothermia. Alcohol, drug use, and medications can also increase the risk of hypothermia. Left untreated, hypothermia limits the nervous system from working correctly. It can cause a complete failure of your heart, respiratory system, and it can even be fatal.
 
Symptoms of hypothermia include:

• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Exhaustion
• Severe shivering
• Clumsiness and lack of coordination
• Slurred speech or mumbling
• Drowsiness or very low energy
• Weak pulse
• Slow, shallow breathing
• Progressive loss of consciousness

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About the County of Santa Clara’s Joint Information Center
The County of Santa Clara’s Joint Information Center provides coordinated critical and safety information during emergencies and disasters. The Joint Information Center is staffed by county public information officers who currently support the twenty emergency support functions defined in the county’s emergency operations plan including transportation, communications, construction and engineering, fire and rescue, management, care and shelter, resources, public health and medical, search and rescue, hazardous materials response, food and agriculture, utilities, law enforcement, recover, public information, animal services, volunteer management, cyber security donations management and continuity of operations / government.

Media Contact: Emergency Operations Center, Media Line: (408) 808-7866

Posted: March 21, 2023