Winter Storm Alert - Prepare Now!

Supervisor Katie Rice 

Winter Storm Alert - Heavy Rain and Winds – Prepare Now!

Another storm front is headed to the Bay Area that will bring substantial rainfall on Wednesday and continuing Thursday, not tapering off until Thursday afternoon.

National Weather Service has issued the following advisories:

  • Flood Watch in effect from 4:00AM Wednesday, January 4 through 4:00 p.m. January 5, 2023.
  • High Wind Watch in effect from 4:00AM Wednesday, January 4 through 10:00 p.m. January 5, 2023

Several waves of rain and wind are expected in the coming 10-14 days. There is an increased risk of flooding as rain continues this week into next after periods of heavy rain; ground is saturated. Increased risk of downed trees and power outages due to strong winds.

Please view the latest NWS forecast for the most up to the date information. Fire Agencies, County and towns are communicating and prepared for possible emergencies.

What does this mean for you?

  • Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects and blow down tree limbs.
  • Power outages may result from strong winds and rain.
  • Localized flooding could occur in low-lying areas or where storm drains or drainage systems are temporarily blocked by debris.
  • Slick roadways.
  • Rising creeks and streams. However, levels are currently forecast to remain below flood stage (local stream gauges).

What can I do to prepare?

Before the storm:

  • Secure outdoor objects that could be blown over by wind (e.g., patio furniture, sports equipment, trash cans, pop-up canopies)
  • Rake leaves and other yard debris and place in green bin (to keep out of gutters and storm drains)
  • Make sure your emergency kit is up to date: have a flashlight, radio, and spare batteries handy if the power goes out.
  • Protect homes and businesses in low-lying flood-prone areas by making sandbags.
  • If you are in an area that is prone to flooding, consider moving your car to higher ground before you go to sleep at night.
  • Sign up to receive AlertMarin emergency calls, text message or email alerts.
  • Visit Emergency.MarinCounty.org for additional resources for preparing for a storm.

During the storm

  • Avoid unnecessary travel. Strong winds and wet roads make travel risky, and possible flooding may prevent you from returning home. Staying home is the safest option until the storm passes. If it’s an emergency, allow emergency responders to come to you.
  • Use extra caution when driving. If you MUST leave your home, drive carefully: slow down, keep both hands-on steering wheel, turn on head lights, allow extra space between vehicles, and watch for downed tree branches, trees, and powerlines.
  • Stay away from downed power lines. Always assume a fallen power line is live and do not touch it with your hand or other object. Call 9-1-1 immediately to report the fallen line.
  • Do not walk or drive through standing water. Turn around, do not drown. If it’s an emergency, allow emergency responders to come to you.
  • Avoid the coast and beaches.
  • Mariners / Houseboats should remain in port. Strong winds and cause hazardous seas which could capsize or damage vessels.
  • Monitor Emergency.MarinCounty.org for the most up-to-date weather and emergency information.

Remember that Emergency.MarinCounty.org is the go-to resident resource for emergency information throughout this storm event.  

Contact Info:

Supervisor Katie Rice
415-473-7825
krice@marincounty.org
District 2 Aides:
Nancy Vernon
415-473-7351
nvernon@marincounty.org
Crystal Martinez
415-473-6159
cmartinez@marincounty.org