Due to continual rain that has saturated the soil and elevated waterways in the area, the Marin County Department of Public Works (DPW) anticipates that the incoming storm front may cause increased rain runoff and flooding. Since saturated soil cannot absorb as much rain, localized flooding may occur in some areas. Please prepare your residence as necessary, which may include clearing out any debris that might be blocking the drains and/or rain gutters on your private property, moving possessions off the floor, and moving cars to higher ground. 

Please be aware that DPW crews are in the area periodically checking storm drains on public property to keep them flowing. When it is safe to do so, resident assistance with keeping storm drains open is helpful and appreciated.

Here are some tips and resources you may find helpful:
--> Emergency.MarinCounty.Org is your place for the latest information about the storm, its impacts on Marin, and ongoing/updated information for residents on how to be prepared and respond to the situation.

--> Sign up for Alert Marin to receive emergency alerts via call, text, email or smartphone application from the County of Marin.

--> Remember to protect the “4 Ps” from extreme weather:
    People: Wear layers, limit time outdoors, and check heaters in advance. Give special attention to older adults and young children, who can lose body heat more quickly than others.
    Pets: Bring pets indoors at night and provide them with plenty of warmth.
    Plants: Bring sensitive plants indoors.
    Pipes: Wrap exposed outdoor pipes to prevent freezing.

--> Check that your emergency kit is up to date. Rain and strong winds can cause unexpected power outages. Having flashlights, batteries, a radio, water, food you can eat without cooking, and extra blankets nearby can go a long way during a winter power outage.

--> Stay home and off the roads as much as possible. If you must drive, use extra caution, allow extra time, slow down and do not drive through flooded areas. Even just six inches of flood water can strand a car.

--> The latest weather information can be found at National Weather Service’s website - Please view the latest NWS forecast for the most up to the date information.

With the return of heavy rain next week, now is the time to make sure you are prepared!

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).

Protect homes and businesses in low-lying flood-prone areas by making sandbags.

Nixle keeps you up-to-date with relevant information from your local public safety departments. Simply text any zip code to 888777 and receive real-time alerts and advisories directly from your local police department and other local agencies.

Mariners/houseboat occupants should secure vessels for severe wind and seas.

Discuss with your employer about working from home in times of bad weather.

Visit Emergency.MarinCounty.org for additional resources for preparing for a storm including: 

• The Coming Storm
• Be Prepared
• Information on Sandbags
• Stream Gauges in Marin
• King Tides
• Dealing with Mold

On January 10th, the Marin County Board of Supervisors will convene for our first meeting of 2023. Newly elected Supervisors Mary Sackett of District 1 and Eric Lucan of District 5 will take the Oath of Office to join the Board of Supervisors. Both won district elections in June 2022. Sackett succeeds Damon Connolly, now a member of the State Assembly. Lucan succeeds longtime Supervisor Judy Arnold who retired at the end of 2022. The Board will also elect a President, Vice President and Second Vice President in this annual transition of Board leadership. District 2’s Katie Rice has served as President since last January. 

The January 10 meeting agenda is posted on MarinCounty.org and you can download the 2023 Board of Supervisors meeting calendar.