Commuters in San Mateo got an unplanned detour this morning when a downed tree took over 4th Ave., causing a roadblock from Dartmouth to S. El Camino Real. The San Mateo Police Department has announced the closure, advising that the tree would not be cleared until approximately 1pm. Drivers were urged to find an alternate route, per the information released by the San Mateo Police Department.

With the storm season in full effect, the San Mateo Police reminded residents that "Mother Nature can create havoc," and emphasized the importance of driving carefully in the rain. They noted that parking indoors is more advisable to avoid unfortunate events such as falling branches which can, and have been known to, severely damage property and endanger lives.

Local authorities have been on high alert. It's a time marked by the unpredictable, where coordination and vigilance are necessary to respond and mitigate storm-related incidents quickly. The fallen tree on 4th Ave. physically manifests the many hidden dangers this season can manifest.

The police reminded us that as the storm and rainy season is upon us, residents should "be cautious of our surroundings to prevent hazards" and injuries. They pledged to update the public on the road's status, pledging to advise when 4th Ave. is ready to be traversed again.