Tuesday's rain-and-wind storm dumped approximately 4.5 inches of rain in the Palo Alto foothills as of 5 p.m. but area creeks swelled to only half full.

The rain is expected to taper off Tuesday night with scattered showers continuing throughout the evening, according to Emergency Manager Barbara Cimino of the Palo Alto Fire Department.

Sand and empty sandbags are available at Mitchell Park in the parking lot behind the Little League field at the Palo Alto Airport -- people should bring their own shovels, Cimino said.

Creek levels can be monitored real time on the Internet via the city's website at http://www.cityofpaloalto.org and selecting Creek Monitor.

Cimino said Public Works Operations received 55 calls -- 21 on minor local flooding and 34 on tree-related problems.

Difficulties with the Santa Clara County pump station at Oregon Expressway underpass at Alma Street created some minor flooding that required the expressway to be partially closed during mid-day. County crews responded and got the pump operational again.

City crews continue to work to clear local street flooding, characterized as minor, Cimino said.

Numerous trees and tree limbs partially or completely blocking or blocking streets or creating hazards were removed by tree crews throughout the day. Additional crews remained on duty until 8 p.m. to handle additional service calls and respond to dispatch after hours. Tree standby crews are on call.

The National Weather Service issued a high wind warning through 11 p.m. Tuesday. Downed trees or branches should be reported to 650-329-2413 after hours or 650-496-5953 during normal working hours).

The National Weather Service had issued an Urban and Small Stream Flood Advisory for the area through 6:45 p.m. Tuesday. City staff will continue to monitor the weather and creek levels throughout the night, Cimino said.

She said recorded emergency updates will be on the city's emergency line at 650-329-2420 and online at www.PaloAltoOnline.com and www.cityofpaloalto.org.