A potentially hazard storm is expected in Marin County on Wednesday, January 16, 2019. The storm is expected to begin by late Wednesday and continue through Thursday prompting the National Weather Service to issue a Flash Flood Warning for Marin County. Winds could also reach or exceed 40mph throughout the storm. High winds can cause significant damage to trees, tree limbs and power lines.*

The latest National Weather Service weather update is as follows:

• Rain heavy at times with possible periods of up to one inch per hour.

• Wednesday through Thursday 2-3 inches.

• Total rain for week up to 10-12 inches.

• Potential for flooding with rapid rise in creeks and tributaries.

• Higher tide than expected with increase wave height.  Possible low area flooding.  Beach hazard warning.

• Power outages, trees down, driving hazards expected.

 *Impacts: Downed trees and falling power lines create widespread power outages. Please be aware of difficult driving conditions due to heavy rainfall and high winds. If you see damaged power lines and electric equipment, call 911, and then notify PG&E at 1-800-743-5002.

Prepare in advance:

• Clean debris from gutters.
• Limb up weak trees or remove them entirely.
• Secure outdoor furniture.
• Check your storm drains and clear debris if necessary.
• Keep pets inside for safety. 
• Fix any lose screens or cracked windows.
• Get sandbags and sand. 
  • The City of Novato provides free self-serve sandbags and sand at its Corp Yard Facility at 550 Davidson Avenue, east of Highway 101 near De Long Avenue.
  • Sandbags will also be available at the Hamilton Theater, at 555 Palm Drive. 
  • Residents should bring their own shovels and gloves.  The limit is 10 sandbags per household, first come first serve. For more information: novato.org/sandbags.
    • We recommend 8 foot wide plastic sheeting placed four feet on the ground and four feet up the wall to create a barrier at doorways and garages.

During the storm, make sure you:

• Remain at home and avoid driving if possible.
• Keep away from downed or hanging power lines. Consider all downed lines to be energized.
• Have batteries ready to go for flashlights, radios and other devices.
• Avoid standing water. Do not drive or walk in flooded areas.
• Keep away from emergency vehicles and take alternate roads.

City staff will be working, and is on call 24-hours, during these types of events to address flooding of public roads and facilities.

To report flooding or downed trees within Novato, please contact the City

• Between 7:00 am and 4:30 pm
  • Public Works Department at (415) 899-8280
• After hours between 4:30 pm and 7:00 am
  • Novato Police Department at (415) 897-4361

If you need emergency response, please call 9-1-1. 

To stay updated, please sign up for Nixle emergency alert notifications as well as e-notifications at novato.org and novatofire.org. 

For weather information: novatoweather