The National Weather Service of the Bay Area is advising that a weak to potentially moderate atmospheric river with gusty winds looks to take aim on the Bay Area and Central Coast Monday, November 8th and into Tuesday, November 9th. Rain bands will begin over the Sonoma and Marin coastline initially before spreading south and east during the day on Monday. There remains some minor uncertainties on where the deepest moisture will move inland as well as the ability for the system to maintain its form and how quickly it will move once it makes its way south of the Santa Cruz Mountains. By Monday evening, precipitation is expected to increase in coverage and intensity over the rest of the North Bay before spreading inland and southward through tomorrow night and into Tuesday morning. This southward progression of the rain bands will be enhanced by a frontal boundary that will gradually move over the South Bay. Confidence in how much and where the heaviest will occur still remains moderate however, especially south of the SF Peninsula/East Bay, due to the weak nature of the frontal boundary. At this time, it still appears the North Bay and the region`s coastal ranges will pick up the most precipitation while areas inland and to the south are likely to see lesser amounts.
In addition to the rainfall, breezy and gusty southerly winds are forecast to develop out ahead of the frontal boundary with gusts of 30 to 45 mph, locally stronger in the ridges and peaks. A Wind Advisory is now in effect for the North and East Bays, San Francisco, and much of the South Bay (excluding the Santa Clara Valley) from tomorrow evening into early Tuesday morning. While lingering showers will be possible Tuesday night into early Wednesday, mostly dry conditions look to return to the region by mid/late next week.
Storm Preparedness Safety Tips
- Secure garbage cans, lawn furniture or anything that could become airborne and cause damage.
- Clean out gutters, storm drains, etc. (keeping drains clear of trash, leaves and branches) so rainwaters can easily flow, reducing possible flooding and ponding.
- Commuters who travel in areas with a history of flooding are advised to monitor high tides. Check traffic conditions prior to your trip to anticipate congestion. Road closures are often posted by the Mill Valley Police Department and Marin County Sheriff on Twitter.
- Please be advised to keep out of creeks and waterways during the storm.
- Sign up for alerts and warnings.
Power Outages/Downed Power Lines
Residents are advised of possible downed trees and power lines. Report downed power lines by calling 9-1-1 and PGE at 1-800-743-5002. Stay away from the downed powerlines and assume they are energized and dangerous.
- Check to make sure you have batteries, fully charged back-up battery packs for your devices, and a battery powered radio.
- Recharge your laptop computer, cell phone, and other mobile devices as a precaution against a power outage.
- Have flashlights with extra batteries for every household member.
- Freeze water bottles or bags of water for food storage if the power goes out.
- Have enough nonperishable food and water.
- Make sure you can open your garage door if the power goes out.
If the power goes out:
- Do not call 9-1-1 unless you are having a life-threatening emergency.
- Call (800) 743-5002 or check the PG&E Outage Map for updates.
- Monitor local news for information and updates - local AM radio stations are a good source of information.
If you see a downed power line call 911 immediately. For more safety information about downed power lines visit PG&E's website.
Traffic & Road Closures
Flooding or fallen trees may cause traffic back-ups and road closures. Check the City of Mill Valley's Website and City of Sausalito's website for Road Closures and Traffic.
Drive with Caution:
- When driving in the rain, use extra caution and always have your headlights on. Remember, if you turn on your windshield wipers, turn on your headlights.
- Please obey the speed limits and follow other traffic at a safe distance.
- If traffic signals are out or flashing red, come to a full stop at every intersection, and proceed as you would at a four-way stop.
Stock up on Sandbags
We urge residents to take preparedness measures by seeking sand and sandbags should they need them. Watch a video on how to fill and place sandbags.
Sand and bags can be purchased at local hardware stores. Sand and sandbags may also be located at the following locations:*
Mill Valley Residents (3 locations):
- Fire Station #7, 1 Hamilton Drive
- Boyle Park, 47 Thalia Street
- At the intersection of Molino Drive at Cascade Drive
Sausalito Residents (2 locations):
- Sausalito Corps Yard, 530 Nevada Street
- MLK / Park School, 610 Coloma Street
Strawberry & Alto Residents:
- Miland Drive, first left off of Seminary, by the 7-11. Sand is located next to the fire road gate approximately 500 ft up the hill on the left
Tam Valley Residents:
- Tennessee Valley Road at Marin Avenue, across from TCSD
Tiburon Residents:
*These locations have limited stockpiles of sand and sandbags for emergency use during the rainy season. To use these stockpiles, you must supply your own labor, shovels and support.
Please note that the safety of our citizens is the first priority of City work crews, and that replenishing the sand pile and bags may become a lower priority during a storm event. If you have questions or comments please call your local Department of Public Works.
Mudslides
Please also be aware that precipitation can increase the potential for mudslides on steeper terrain. If you see significant runoff on a slope that is not typically used for drainage, it could be due to a blockage or diversion of water from its regular course somewhere upstream. Please report these instances to Public Works. If you feel that the situation constitutes an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
- Sausalito Residents: Please call (415) 289-4106 or call the Southern Marin Fire District (415) 388-8182.
- Mill Valley Residents: Please call (415) 384-4800 or call the Southern Marin Fire District (415) 388-8182.
- Marin County Residents: Please call (415) 473-7388 or call the Marin County Fire Department (415) 499-6717.
- If it is an emergency - Call 911.
Tides
High tides, combined with high run-off sometimes leads to flooding on lower Miller Avenue and Camino Alto, as well as the Redwood Hwy Frontage Road. Please click here for High Tide information.
How to stay informed during winter storms?
Sign up for alerts and warnings. We will post regular updates to the www.smfd.org website.