WEATHER UPDATE: THUR FEB 9, 2017 3:00PM
UPDATED SYNOPSIS:
All Marin County main stem creeks are remaining below monitor or flood alert stage, with Corte Madera Creek receding and most other creeks expected to begin receding shortly if not already. Rain has cleared or tapered down to light rain, with light rain possible into this evening and turning to spotty showers by tomorrow.
NOAA low tide of -0.954 feet MLLW predicted at 4:24 pm at Golden Gate, and with recent heavy rainfall it will take longer than usual for many areas to fully drain and to allow tide levels to reach NOAA tide predicted levels.
NWS weather brief at 1400h today confirmed heavy rain has passed through our area.
Longer term forecast shows a series of three storms to impact our area next week (mid to late next week) into following weekend.
CURRENT ADVISORIES, WATCHES, AND WARNINGS (PLEASE NOTE UPDATED LINK BELOW):
http://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=MTR&wwa=all
PRECIPITATION OUTLOOK (Updated):
- Thu Feb 9: Rain and gusty winds with 2” to 4” of rainfall accumulation in most urban locations and over 4” possible in higher terrain and coastal areas
- Fri Feb 10: Showers; up to 0.1” throughout the County
- Sat Feb 11: Dry
- Sun Feb 12: Dry
Total forecast precipitation amounts (beginning 4am Thursday February 9th through 4am Sunday February 12th): About 2.8” to over 3.5” in coastal and higher terrain locations
TIDE OUTLOOK:
Moderate tides are predicted for most of this week. Tides near or slightly above 6.5-ft are predicted Wednesday through Friday. With the expected storms moving through the area at the same time, and with a potential residual up to 1.0-ft expected, tides levels could reach over 7.5-ft. Therefore, flooding is likely to occur within tidally flood prone areas.
FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY EVENING
UPDATE FEB 8 4:00PM
ANOTHER POTENT WEATHER SYSTEM WILL BRING WIDESPREAD RAINFALL AND POTENTIAL FLOODING TO THE REGION ON THURSDAY.
The National Weather Service in San Francisco has issued a Flash Flood Watch for the Marin, including the entire Ross Valley and Corte Madera Creek Watershed from late tonight through Thursday evening.
A period of moderate to locally heavy rain is expected across the North Bay on Thursday as a strong cold front pushes inland. The combination of saturated soils and recent heavy rainfall will result in excessive runoff into area streams and rivers as well as localized flash flooding. Additional rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches are forecast in these areas through Thursday evening.
The primary impacts will be localized ponding of water on low lying roadways with poor drainage, rapid rises on streams and creeks with some likely exceeding bankfull, some river flooding and potential rock and mud slides.
Travel may become very difficult at times. Some roadways may be flooded or impassable. Never drive into unknown depths of water! Turn around, don't drown.
A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.
Schools
Ross Valley School District: All Ross Valley Schools will be closed Thursday, February 9, 2017, to all students and staff.
Preparedness
- Merchants are advised to place sandbags and flood gates, and take other precautionary measures at close of business tonight (Wed, Feb 8).
- Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
- Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding.
- A Flash Flood Warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring.
- If you are in the warned area move to higher ground immediately. Residents living along streams and creeks should take immediate precautions to protect life and property.
- Monitor Creek levels online!
- Register your cell phone for emergency alerts at www.AlertMarin.org.
AlertMarin
The "AlertMarin" Service is operated by the County of Marin Office of Emergency Servcies. This notification system will be activated to send alert messages and critical evacuation information during floods and other emergencies using SMS messaging, email, and geographic locations. Sign up today at www.AlertMarin.org.
Flood Horns (San Anselmo, Ross) and Siren (Fairfax)
When you hear a Flood Warning Siren or Horn, evacuate to higher ground immediately. It does not mean come downtown to look at the creek, take photos, send a tweet, or move merchandise to higher areas. Flooding is already occurring and it is too late to prepare! Seek higher ground immediately! Each year, our firefighters and police officers risk their own lives to rescue people who do not follow these simple instructions.