UPDATED: City Deactivates Emergency Mode After Late-Night Flood Risk

The City of Gilroy has cancelled a flood advisory that prompted the activation of its underground Emergency Operations Center at 9:30 p.m. Thursday, according to Gilroy Public Information Officer, Joe Kline.

The center itself remained in an active state until 8:00 a.m. Friday morning, though monitoring duties were passed along to other city staff.

"We're continuing to monitor the creek," Kline said.

Waters rose beyond 198-feet-above-sea-level earlier that evening, prompting the activation of the, he said. When activated, the facility becomes a central command for the city's emergency responders.

As of 12:10 p.m., water in Uvas creek was rapidly receding below the 198-feet threshold. While still requiring frequent monitoring, it was markedly less than the 200 feet measured earlier, the spokesman said.

"We got close, but we didn't have any flood issues," said Kline.

It was the third time that City Administrator Tom Haglund, also the city's top emergency official, had to activate the EOC. Massive rains and a telecommunications shutdown, both in 2009, also prompted its use.

Staff who train monthly to work in the EOC received a text message from Haglund around 5:30 p.m. to prepare them for a possible activation, Kline said.

"We learn from every one of these things," said the spokesman.

The Gilroy Fire Department has been monitoring a marker down the creek at Luchessa Avenue that signals the water level every 15 minutes, according to the response plan described

Residents were not advised to take any action during the flood advisory, but constant updates on the situation will continue to be available on 1610 AM, cable channel 17 and the city website, Kline said.

When the water level reaches 199.5 feet, the city will be in full emergency operation, he said.

If waters rise above 203 feet, flooding may occur south of Luchessa Avenue in the area surrounding the , according to the spokesman.

Gilroy experienced significant flooding in 1986, prompting the Army Corps of Engineers to construct a series of flood control channels throughout the city. While they go a long way to decrease the risk of flooding, Kline said that it does not eliminate the possibility.

Some minor flooding has occurred throughout the city due to debris clogging storm drains, but the effects are relatively minor and are being fixed throughout the stormy weather, the spokesman said.

Despite the dropping water levels, Uvas Creek continues to surge during the heavy rains. Residents are asked to avoid going near the creek, Kline said.