San Rafael City Council declares local emergency ahead of storm season

On October 5, the San Rafael City Council declared a local emergency due to increased flood risks from El Niño this winter. With storm season approaching, the City urges residents and businesses to prepare for flooding.

El Niño can affect storm patterns and is temporarily raising coastal water levels. This increases the chances of flooding due to seasonal high tides and heavy rains. While the seasonal forecasts cannot predict whether any particular neighborhood will flood, it is recommended residents take steps to preparing properly before the storms arrive to help reduce their impacts.

Parts of San Rafael are at risk of flooding because land has gradually settled (or sunk) and now lies near or below the level of the Bay. When we experience heavy rain or high tides, flooding can affect homes and businesses, as well as transportation systems, and other public facilities people rely on daily. Floods don't just affect the coast. They could impact our whole community, so everyone should take steps now to prepare before the wet season arrives.

At Monday's meeting, the Council also received an update on work to understand and prepare for on-going sea level rise and subsidence. While City efforts are focused on wet season preparations, there is also a need to work on comprehensive planning for higher water levels. Visit our Youtube channel to learn more about sea level rise in San Rafael.

Building on community priorities

Over the past four years, the City and its partners have conducted more than 150 community engagements, directly reaching an estimated 5,000 residents. Members of the community identified their top priorities as being emergency preparedness, safer building practices, environmental justice and protecting existing residents and businesses. Several of those priorities were incorporated into the City's Three-Year Strategic Plan.

The City is also considering next steps for adaptation planning, including participation in a Countywide Regional Shoreline Adaptation Plan. Future flood protection measures will require substantial funding and significant levels of public participation. To share your ideas on how our community should prepare leave your ideas in our open survey (in English or Spanish).

Preparing for the season ahead

There are a variety of steps individuals and families can take to prepare. The include but are not limited to:

• Sign up for AlertMarinemergency alerts and opt into the king tide and coastal notifications

• Check your homeowners, renters, and/or vehicle insurance to assure adequate coverage. Be sure it includes coverage for flooding.

• If your home has the potential to be impacted by flood waters, either from tidal flooding and/or rainfall, have sandbags or other means ready to stop water from entering under doors.

• Do not drive through flood waters. Move vehicles from low lying areas ahead of time.

• Consider leaving low lying areas before flooding occurs.

• Be prepared to shelter in place. Have enough food, water, and power sources for 3 days.

The following resources may be helpful:

Weather and tides information

• National Weather Service (NWS)- San Francisco Bay Area: Provides current forecasts, storm information, watches, warnings, and advisories. NWS will be publishing a monthly update on the El Niño forecast.

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coastal Inundation Dashboard: Provides information about tide predictions and short-term water levels forecasted in the Bay. NOAA's forecast guidance includes tide predictions, storm surge, and seasonal rises from El Niño. Keep in mind these forecasts don't account for rainfall-related flooding or localized drainage problems. The Richmond tide station is the closest to San Rafael, and you can view its dashboard.

Emergency notifications and preparedness

• AlertMarin: Sign up for emergency notifications from Marin County to receive critical information during emergencies, including flooding. Note that for general flood awareness updates, you'll need to opt-in to the Coastal Flooding and King Tides Notification Group in your account.

• ReadyMarin: Provides information on preparing your household for emergencies, including what to keep in an emergency supply kit and how to develop a family emergency plan.

• Check out ReadyMarin's guidance specific to preparing for El Niño.