A strong winter storm is making its way through our area and is expected to begin Wednesday morning (January 4), a break in the afternoon and stay through Thursday (January 5). The forecast calls for rain again Friday, January 6, through the weekend. A storm door is open with rain and wind expected through Friday, January 13, 2023.
Wind gusts will continue from Wednesday evening through Thursday morning reaching between 40 and 60 mph. Temperatures will be lows in the 40s and highs in the 50s.
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.
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.
- Mariners / Houseboat occupants should secure vessel for severe wind and seas.
- 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.
Sandbags
Sand, and bags, are available for San Anselmo residents at the tennis court parking lot at Memorial Park (Sunny Hills Drive across from the Red Hill Shopping Center). Please bring you own shovel!
Remember that Emergency.MarinCounty.org is the go-to resident resource for emergency information throughout this storm event.