Redwood City Invites Residents to Adopt — and Name — a Storm Drain

Redwood City, CA - With a potentially very strong El Niño taking shape for the 2026-27 winter season, Redwood City is launching a new Adopt-a-Drain program that gives residents a simple - and fun - way to help prepare their neighborhoods for heavy rain and flooding.

Residents can adopt a neighborhood storm drain, give it a creative name and help keep it clear of leaves and debris throughout the rainy season. Keeping drains clear can help reduce localized flooding while also preventing litter and other pollutants from washing through the stormwater system into local creeks and San Francisco Bay.

The City is also adding a friendly community challenge, with recognition for Most Creative Drain Name, Most Drains Adopted, and Top Environmental Stewardship Find. Participants can sign up to 'adopt' a nearby storm drain and check it twice a month to help clear leaves, trash or debris from the top of the grate. They can log their visits on the website and can notify Public Works if there is debris under the grate that needs clearing. Winners will be recognized next spring at a City Council meeting and featured on the City's social media channels.

The City also has Adopt-a-Drain cleanup kits available for the first 50 sign-ups. Each kit includes a high-visibility vest, work gloves and a rake. Residents can sign up for Adopt-a-Drain and find additional storm preparedness resources at www.RedwoodCity.org/Storms.

They can also sign up for Adopt-a-Drain at the free "Get Storm Ready Redwood City" workshop on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026. 9 to 11 a.m. at the Public Works Services Corporation Yard, 1400 Broadway.

The program launches as Redwood City prepares for what could be a particularly active wet-weather season. The City's Sept. 14 storm preparedness report notes that El Niño is strengthening, with a greater than 90% chance of a very strong event during fall and winter 2026-27. In the Bay Area, El Niño can bring heavier rain and flooding, while king tides, elevated sea levels and atmospheric rivers can further increase flood risk. While the timing and severity of individual storms cannot be predicted, the convergence of those conditions could increase the potential for flooding and other impacts.

City Preparing Before the Rain Arrives

Redwood City's storm preparations begin months before the first major rain. Maintenance starts in the spring and continues through the fall to help ensure critical infrastructure is ready before significant rainfall.

Public Works crews clear debris, sediment and vegetation from Redwood Creek and City-maintained crossings of Cordilleras Creek and perform annual maintenance along the Bayfront Canal. Crews also clean storm inlets, catch basins, siphons and trash-capture devices throughout the city.

The City maintains 18 storm pump stations, with routine inspections, maintenance, testing and pump repairs performed as needed. Annual storm maintenance is targeted for completion by mid-October, when the City transitions to active storm monitoring. Staff maintain 24/7 availability during the wet-weather season and monitor forecasts, rainfall, creek and drainage conditions, tides and other indicators to identify developing risks and respond as conditions warrant.

What Residents Can Do to Help

September is National Preparedness Month, making this a good time for residents to prepare their homes and neighborhoods before winter weather arrives.

In addition to adopting a drain, residents can help by:

• Keeping gutters, downspouts and areas around storm drains clear of leaves and debris.
• Signing up for SMC Alert to receive emergency notifications.
• Learning how to properly fill and place sandbags.
• Avoiding flooded roads and staying away from downed power lines.
• Reviewing the City's storm preparedness videos and resources at www.RedwoodCity.org/Storms.

The City's self-service sandbag station at the Public Works Services Yard will also be available for residents this fall. The City is encouraging residents who are able to help their neighbors by filling extra sandbags and placing them in a designated area for people who may not be able to fill or carry bags themselves.

During major storms, City staff monitor weather forecasts, rainfall, creeks, drainage conditions and tides and adjust staffing and response efforts as conditions warrant. The Fire Department may also increase staffing when significant storm impacts are anticipated.

Adopt a drain, brush up on storm preparedness and find sandbag information at www.www.RedwoodCity.org/Storms.