The rising waters of San Francisquito Creek, fueled by a powerful winter storm, were causing severe flooding on northbound US Highway 101 in the areas of East Palo Alto and Palo Alto Sunday evening, thereby shutting it down.

Palo Alto police issued an alert at about 7 p.m. stating that northbound lanes on U.S. Highway 101 north of Embarcadero were closed due to flooding.

The California Highway Patrol confirmed severe flooding on the roadway just north of Embarcadero Rd., but said the freeway remains open so far. However, nearby West Bayshore Rd. was closed between Embarcadero and San Antonio roads, according to the CHP.

Menlo Park Fire Protection District officials warned earlier Sunday evening that San Francisquito Creek was expected to go over its banks at the Pope Chaucer Bridge on the border between Menlo Park and Palo Alto and at West Bayshore Rd. near U.S. Highway 101 in East Palo Alto.

The creek runs through both residential and commercial areas and has a history of flooding.

Fire Chief Harold Schapelhouman said that in previous flooding incidents the fire department has had to rescue literally hundreds of people from apartment buildings in the area. In addition, parking garages in the area were likely to flood, meaning any cars that don't get moved could be damaged.

Later that evening, emergency alerts were sent out to residents who registered for them, and police and fire units were moving through the area broadcasting flood warnings to residents.