With the first big weather system coming through this week we are sending out a special newsletter to update you on the storm headed our way tomorrow. Please prepare and be safe!

We are receiving sand today at the Community Center - see more below - so come on down and get ready for this big storm.

Our regular weekly newsletter will be on Friday, November 22nd.

Wishing you a safe and cozy week !

The NWS forecasts the first winter storm of the season to arrive tomorrow, Wednesday, and linger through the weekend. While Sonoma County is expected to experience the most significant impacts, Marin County can anticipate heavy rainfall and strong winds. This first atmospheric river serves as an important reminder for the community to prepare NOW for this and future winter storms. 

The National Weather Service has issued the following for Marin County: 

• Wind Advisory in effect from tonight, November 19 through the morning of November 21. 
• Flood Watch in effect from tomorrow morning, November 20 through Friday morning November 22. 

 Here’s what we know!  

• Heavy rainfall primarily Wednesday morning 11/20/24 through Thursday 11/21/24 night, with lighter rain extending through the weekend.  
• Within these 48 hours of heavy rain, there is high confidence of 3-4” across the County.  Portions of northwest Marin, Tam Valley and Canal could see between 4-6”. 
• High winds of 40 – 50 mph. 
• Impacts could include flooding and power outages.  

Sandbags

We advise that you do your best to sandbag vulnerable areas at your home to limit potential damage. We have sand available in the Community Center parking lot at 203 Marin Avenue. Bring your own shovel to fill bags. Limited bags available to fill; please consider bringing your own. Please be mindful of saving sand for your neighbors and only take what you need.

Marin County Emergency Portal 

For more storm preparation tips and the latest information regarding significant incidents or events in Marin along with resources and/or actions for community members go to emergency.marincounty.gov

Where to get updated weather information:

• National Weather Service: Website or Twitter

Keep Storm Drains Clear

Take a look around your property and make sure that any yard waste goes into your green bin. With heavy rains, storm drains can get clogged quickly with leaves, branches and other yard waste.

Help everyone stay safe and dry by making sure the drains are clear around your home.

PG&E Strongly Encourages Customers to Have a Plan for Potential Power Outages

If an outage does occur, PG&E customers can find real-time updates via the online outage center, including status updates the assessments, repair and estimated time of restoration.  Renters and others without a PG&E account may also use this portal to sign up for outage notifications by text, email, or phone. 

Storm Safety Tips

As PG&E follows its plan to prepare for the storm, customers are urged to prepare their families as well.

• Never touch downed wires: If you see a downed power line, assume it is energized and extremely dangerous. Do not touch or try to move it—and keep children and animals away. Report downed power lines immediately by calling 9-1-1 and then PG&E at 1-800-743-5002.
• Turn off appliances: If you experience an outage, unplug or turn off all electrical appliances to avoid overloading circuits and to prevent fire hazards when power is restored. Simply leave a single lamp on to alert you when power returns.
• Use flashlights, not candles: During a power outage, use battery-operated flashlights and not candles, due to the risk of fire. And keep extra batteries on hand. If you must use candles, please keep them away from drapes, lampshades, animals, and small children. Do not leave candles unattended.
• Have a backup phone: If you have a telephone system that requires electricity to work, such as a cordless phone or answering machine, plan to have a standard telephone or cellular phone ready as a backup. Having a portable charging device helps to keep your cell phone running.
• Pre-Charge back up power devices: Prior to expected storms arrival, check to ensure battery charger backups are ready to use.
• Use generators safely: Customers with standby electric generators should ensure they are properly installed by a licensed electrician in a well-ventilated area. Improperly installed generators pose a significant danger to customers, as well as crews working on powerlines. If using portable generators, be sure they are in a well-ventilated area.
• Have fresh drinking water and ice: Freeze plastic containers filled with water to make blocks of ice that can be placed in your refrigerator/freezer to prevent food spoilage.
• Secure your outside furniture: Strong winds can blow lawn chairs and other outdoor items into powerlines.
• Safely clean up: After the storm has passed, be sure to safely clean up. Never touch downed wires and always call 8-1-1 or visit 811express.com at least two full business days before digging to have all underground utilities safely marked.

Other tips can be found at: Safety and Preparedness, Storm Safety, and Safety Action Center.