Rain increased in the South Bay on Thursday, leading to more umbrellas and slippery roads.

Water levels at the Guadalupe Creek in Downtown San Jose have risen, submerging large rocks and carrying additional debris along the banks from upstream.

Valley Water crews have been working to clear the waterway of trash and debris to maintain flow and prevent flooding. The agency expressed concern about potential flooding from the storm but emphasized their constant vigilance.

“We always monitor the storm closely,” said Matt Keller, a spokesperson for Valley Water. “We track it overnight to ensure that any cells passing over areas, watersheds, or creeks that may rise quickly are accounted for.” Keller also noted that recent storms have been crucial for replenishing reservoirs. More local rainfall means less reliance on external water sources during dry months.

“We’re about 70% of normal for this time of year, and I’ve seen it rise with the latest storm, meaning the ground is saturated, and water is flowing into the reservoirs, which is good news for our water supply,” Keller added.

Meanwhile, winds have increased in the South Bay, causing issues for some residents.

“I went back home for lunch, and a branch snapped from the wind and hit my patio,” said Roney Cardoza of San Jose.

While dry days between storms can reduce flood risks, they can also increase instability on hills and mountains.

Caltrans had to close SR-9 Big Basin Way due to a landslide near one of its construction sites.