The Brief
- Marin County is committing $5 million to combat potential flooding and extreme weather impacts caused by El Niño.
- San Rafael emergency officials warn that upcoming king tides combined with storm surges create severe winter flood risks.
- Local residents and officials are preparing infrastructure, sandbags, and tide gates ahead of critical holiday tide windows.
MARIN COUNTY, California – As Marin County and surrounding cities continue to absorb significant impacts from winter weather, local governments are committing substantial funds to prepare for the heightened risks of the upcoming El Niño season across the Bay Area.
Preparing for El Niño
Marin County is allocating $5 million specifically to address severe winter weather and flooding. The emergency strategy includes $2.27 million directed toward flood barriers, sandbags, tide gates, and drainage protections. Additionally, $390,000 will fund Marin County Parks flood and erosion projects, while $340,000 is earmarked for disaster operations and preparedness.
County officials are urging the public to prepare ahead of time rather than waiting for major systems to make landfall.
“We just really want to put the message out that residents should really prepare for El Niño, prepare before the storm comes, and be connected to official information,” said Marin County Spokesperson Anastasia Pallas. “And that is our Ready Marin website, which anyone can go to, and making sure that they are signed up for Alert Marin, which is the county’s emergency response communications.”
Ocean conditions and King Tides
In San Rafael, emergency management officials emphasize that predictable ocean conditions already present a challenge before accounting for incoming storm systems.…