Weather Summary
A strong weather system will bring adverse weather risk Tuesday and Wednesday.
- Expected from the Bay Area northward, where winds could gust more than 40 – 55+ mph and rainfall amounts could reach 2 – 3”.
- The combination of gusty south winds, moderate to locally heavy rainfall, and possible thunderstorms could result in outage activity across the North and Bay Area tomorrow.
- National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning, Wind Advisory, and a Flood Watch.
National Weather Service Bay Area Alert– We’re still tracking an impactful storm system slated to move into our region later tonight. Strong wind gusts & periods of rain are forecast. The heavy rainfall will impact the Wednesday AM commute, so plan accordingly for tomorrow!
Sandbags
Sand is available for Fairfax residents at the Skate Park (Pavilion Parking Lot).
Remember that Emergency.MarinCounty.org is the go-to resident resource for emergency information throughout this storm event.
Possible Power Outages
If a power 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. Planned work may be cancelled and rescheduled pending damage that may result from the storm.
- PG&E crews prepare impactful weather events a day or more before meteorology expects arrival and impacts.
- As outages occur, the Operations Emergency Command centers respond sending PG&E crews to inspect the power lines, determine the cause of the outage and restore power to as many customers as possible
- If equipment or line repairs are needed, crews will begin those repairs when safe the public and those working in the field.
- They will make every effort to update the public site with Estimated Times of Restoration. https://pgealerts.alerts.pge.com/outage-tools/outage-map/
- Customers can look up power outage locations and information by entering an address, city or county.
- A report is available showing the number of customers without power in the County, the number of outages, total customers affected.
Storm Safety Tips
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
What could this mean for Marin residents?
- Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects and blow down tree limbs.
- Power outages may result from strong winds and rain.
- Localized flooding could occur in low-lying areas or where storm drains or drainage systems are temporarily blocked by debris.
- Slick roadways.
- Rising creeks and streams. However, levels are currently forecast to remain below flood stage (local stream gauges).
What actions can I take to prepare and/or stay safe?
Before the storm
- Secure outdoor objects that could be blown over by wind (e.g, patio furniture, sports equipment, trash cans, pop-up canopies)
- Rake leaves and other yard debris and place in green bin (to keep out of gutters and storm drains)
- Make sure your emergency kit is up-to-date: have a flashlight, radio and spare batteries handy if the power goes out.
- Protect homes and businesses in low-lying flood-prone areas by making sandbags.
- Mariners / Houseboat occupants should secure vessel for severe wind and seas.
- Sign up to receive AlertMarin emergency calls, text message or email alerts.
- Visit Emergency.MarinCounty.org for additional resources for preparing for a storm.
During the storm
- Avoid unnecessary travel. Strong winds and wet roads make travel risky, and possible flooding may prevent you from returning home. Staying home is the safest option until the storm passes. If it’s an emergency, allow emergency responders to come to you.
- Use extra caution when driving. If you MUST leave your home, drive carefully: slow down, keep both hands on steering wheel, turn on head lights, allow extra space between vehicles, and watch for downed tree branches, trees, and powerlines.
- Stay away from downed power lines. Always assume a fallen power line is live and do not touch it with your hand or other object. Call 9-1-1 immediately to report the fallen line.
- Do not walk or drive through standing water. Turn around, do not drown. If it’s an emergency, allow emergency responders to come to you.
- Avoid the coast and beaches.
- Mariners / Houseboats should remain in port. Strong winds and cause hazardous seas which could capsize or damage vessels.
- Monitor Emergency.MarinCounty.org for the most up-to-date weather and emergency information.