San Mateo residents can pick up free sandbags at three self-service stations across the city as a potentially severe El Niño winter approaches.

The stations at Corporation Yard, Beresford Park and Anchor Road/Bay Trail opened Oct. 1 and will remain available around the clock through April 30, according to the city's sandbag information page. Sand and bags are provided while supplies last and will be refilled throughout the rainy season.

The pickup locations are Corporation Yard at 1949 Pacific Blvd.; the Beresford Park parking lot at 2720 Alameda de las Pulgas; and the Anchor Road/Bay Trail parking lot at Anchor Road and Third Avenue/J. Hart Clinton Drive.

Each vehicle is limited to 10 bags per visit. Residents must bring their own shovel and heavy-duty trash bags as backup in case the city's bag supply runs out. Visitors should be prepared to show proof of San Mateo residency or property ownership.

The stations are self-serve, meaning visitors fill their own bags on site.

Residents who cannot fill sandbags due to a physical limitation or disability can arrange to pick up pre-filled bags at Corporation Yard during regular business hours, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, by calling 650-522-7297. City field maintenance staff will help load the bags into vehicles.

Why it matters

The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center announced Oct. 8 that there is a very high chance of a strong-to-very-strong El Niño through March 2027, according to the agency's official forecast. The pattern bears resemblance to the 1997-98 El Niño, when the San Francisquito Creek overflowed and flooded neighborhoods in Palo Alto, East Palo Alto and Menlo Park.

NWS meteorologist Brian Garcia cautioned that impacts remain uncertain. Past El Niño winters have varied widely: 1997–98 brought historic flooding, while 2015–16 produced average rainfall, Garcia said, according to the Almanac.

Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in late September to bolster statewide El Niño preparedness efforts.

Storm reporting numbers

The city asks residents not to call 911 for flooded roadways or clogged drains. Instead, report flooding, clogged drains, sewer overflows or downed trees on public property by calling 650-522-7300. For other non-emergency issues after hours, call 650-522-7700. Downed power lines should be reported to 911.

Residents can sign up for emergency alerts through SMC Alert at smcalert.info and through the San Mateo Police Department's Nixle system. The city also recommends clearing gutters, checking sump pumps and securing outdoor furniture before storms arrive.

As we reported Oct. 13, a local nonprofit is also offering a free El Niño home-safety checklist and repair program for qualifying residents.