UPDATE: Historic flooding has struck Marin County, California, as king tides and a winter storm surge wreak havoc on low-lying coastal areas. As of Saturday, December 16, 2023, authorities report that major routes, including Highway 101 near Lucky Drive, are completely submerged, paralyzing traffic for hours.
The flooding began just before noon, leading to the closure of eastbound Highway 37 and significant disruptions throughout the region. By 2:30 PM, receding waters on Highway 101 allowed limited traffic to resume, but nearby neighborhoods, including Corte Madera and Larkspur, remain under water for the second consecutive day.
Public safety officials report that approximately 1,500 homes in Tiburon and Marin City lost electricity due to flooded infrastructure. Local businesses along Seminary Drive near Mill Valley have also been affected. “We are seeing a significant amount of flooding throughout the county,” stated Laine Hendricks, a county spokeswoman.
Flooding has also impacted the Canal neighborhood in San Rafael and the Gate 5 area in northern Sausalito. The situation worsened as Belvedere Mayor Sally Wilkinson revealed that Beach Road was nearly breached by rising waters, while Tiburon Boulevard has become impassable.
In San Rafael, the levee near Vendola Drive has sustained damage, although officials assure that the breach is not catastrophic. “Public works is assisting with response and immediate repair,” Hendricks confirmed. Meanwhile, in Marin City, the local pumping system has prevented flooding in certain areas, but challenges remain for access to Highway 101.
Emergency alerts via the Nixle system have kept residents informed about ongoing power outages and road closures. “Everybody heard it, which was really nice,” noted Sarah Canson, community services district board member.
As flooding extends across Marin County, officials warn that localized flooding persists in areas like Inverness and Stinson Beach. The National Weather Service reported that king tides reached over seven feet on Friday and Saturday, exacerbated by storm surges from the latest atmospheric river.
Meteorologist Brayben Murdoch explained, “The high tide comes in, it overflows certain areas… As the low tide comes through, the water doesn’t have an opportunity to go back to the bay.”
Looking ahead, Murdoch predicts that Sunday’s high tide of 6.92 feet will be less impactful, but officials remain on alert. “Most likely, we’ll have to anticipate closing some roads tomorrow,” said Mill Valley Police Sgt. David Kollerer, emphasizing the ongoing risk posed by saturated ground conditions.
As this situation continues to develop, residents are urged to stay informed through local updates and prepare for potential additional flooding. The impacts of this flooding crisis are likely to linger, affecting travel and daily life in Marin County for days to come.
