Key Takeaways
- A Marin County neighborhood was flooded with water due to king tides and an upcoming storm
- A Coastal Flood Warning is in effect for the shoreline and interior valleys of the North Bay from 7 a.m. Friday through Saturday at 2 p.m.
- The National Weather Service predicts up to 2.5 ft of inundation above ground level in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways during the morning high tide Friday and Saturday
- A strong storm system is expected to bring rain and strong winds to the region beginning Friday night into Saturday morning
- Sustained winds of 15 to 25 mph are expected, with occasional gusts up to 50 mph along the coast and the higher terrain during the storm
Introduction to the Flooding
A Marin County neighborhood was inundated with flood water on Friday, as the region prepares for rising water due to the king tides and an upcoming storm. The flooding was severe, with water covering the area of Lucky Drive and Dougherty Drive near the communities of Larkspur and Corte Madera. The flooding was so severe that employees at the Fitness SF gym in Corte Madera were seen attempting to remove water from the business with buckets. The gym eventually announced on its social media that the location is temporarily closed due to the flooding.
Coastal Flood Warning
The National Weather Service issued a Coastal Flood Warning for the shoreline and interior valleys of the North Bay from 7 a.m. Friday through Saturday at 2 p.m. The warning was issued due to the combination of king tides and storm surge, which is expected to cause significant coastal flooding. The National Weather Service predicts up to 2.5 ft of inundation above ground level in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways during the morning high tide Friday and Saturday. This level of flooding has not been seen in the area since 1998, and numerous roads are expected to be closed. Low-lying properties, including homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure, will be inundated, and some shoreline erosion is expected to occur.
King Tides and Storm Surge
The king tides, which are among the highest of the year, are due to a confluence of multiple factors, including the full moon on Saturday and Saturday’s perihelion, when the Earth’s orbit is closest to the Sun. The king tides, combined with the storm surge, will enhance the astronomical tide and cause significant flooding. The National Weather Service predicts up to 1.3 feet of storm surge, which will add to the already high astronomical tide. The high tide at the San Francisco tidal gauge is expected to be 2.2 feet above normal on Friday and 2.5 feet above normal on Saturday.
Upcoming Storm
A strong storm system is expected to bring rain and strong winds to the region beginning Friday night into Saturday morning. The storm is expected to bring sustained winds of 15 to 25 mph, with occasional gusts up to 50 mph along the coast and the higher terrain. The storm is also expected to bring rain, with about ½ inch of rain expected overnight and up to 3 inches in the coastal mountains. The rain is expected to be less severe in the rain-shadowed valleys, with closer to ¼ inch of rain expected. A Wind Advisory was issued for the North Bay mountains, San Francisco, East Bay hills, and the coast, along with all of Monterey and San Benito counties, from 1 p.m. Friday through 1 p.m. Saturday. However, the advisory was canceled early Saturday as sustained wind speeds had fallen.
Conclusion
The flooding in Marin County is a significant concern, and residents are advised to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their properties. The combination of king tides and storm surge is expected to cause significant coastal flooding, and residents should be prepared for up to 2.5 ft of inundation above ground level in low-lying areas. The upcoming storm is expected to bring strong winds and rain, and residents should take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their properties. It is essential to stay informed about the latest weather updates and follow the instructions of local authorities to ensure safety.
