San Jose’s winter flood risks come into focus

As San Jose mobilizes its resources to prepare for possible El Niño-driven winter flooding, a recent report is highlighting the risks facing low-lying communities along the city’s northern shoreline. The report — from UC Davis’ Road Ecology Center — included Alviso in a list of California communities at high risk of coastal flooding over the coming winter. The report found the influence of El Niño could compound climate-induced sea level rise to cause the marshlands surrounding the southern end of the San Francisco Bay to spill over, inundating nearby neighborhoods. Meanwhile, San Jose is taking steps to boost flood preparedness, especially along the 140 miles of waterways that run through the city. The City Council unanimously approved a local emergency declaration Tuesday, granting officials a freer hand in responding to potential flood risks — including by acquiring emergency supplies, coordinating with state and federal agencies and accessing $5.5 million in the city’s emergency re