Body of News Release
Marin County, CA — With potentially severe winter storms and unusually high tides approaching, the Marin County Board of Supervisors will consider a $3 million investment in flood protection, emergency response resources and public preparedness at its Tuesday, September 29 meeting.
Marin County’s varied geography means severe winter weather can affect communities in very different ways. From coastal areas and bayside communities to low-lying neighborhoods, hillsides, valleys and rural areas, storms can bring a range of hazards, including rapid flooding, shoreline and hillside erosion, downed trees, power outages, blocked roads and significant traffic disruptions.
Impacts in one part of the county can also affect residents and businesses far beyond the immediate area. Flooding or debris on major roads, power interruptions and other storm-related disruptions can quickly affect travel. County officials are therefore preparing for a range of conditions and encouraging residents to understand the risks where they live, work and travel.
The proposed funding would accelerate County preparations for the 2026–27 winter season, when El Niño conditions, heavy rainfall and king tides could combine to increase flooding and other hazards. While the timing and severity of individual storms remain uncertain, County officials are taking steps now to prepare for potentially serious impacts.
The Board received an initial briefing on winter preparedness on August 18. The September 29 discussion will focus on additional funding and resources needed to put those preparations into action before the winter's highest-risk periods.
“We know that heavy rainfall, unusually high tides and other severe weather can create dangerous conditions, particularly when they occur at the same time,” said County Executive Derek Johnson. “Our goal is to prepare early, strengthen our ability to protect vulnerable communities and make sure our teams have the equipment and resources they need to respond quickly. This investment would also provide lasting benefits beyond this winter. We want every Marin resident and business to understand their risks and take practical steps now, before the storms arrive. It is also important to note that public investments are only as effective as people taking personal responsibility for their own property and their own readiness.”
The proposed $3.021 million investment includes:
- $2.27 million for flood protection and infrastructure: Expand the County's inventory of temporary flood barriers, sandbags and equipment; improve drainage systems; and provide resources to install protective measures where needed.
- $390,000 for Marin County Parks: Protect vulnerable shoreline areas, including McInnis Marsh and McNears Beach, and purchase emergency materials and equipment.
- $361,000 for community and emergency preparedness: Support a countywide preparedness and communications campaign, including targeted outreach to flood-prone communities, community meetings, emergency alert education, preparedness materials, and public health readiness.
Many of the proposed investments, including reusable flood barriers, drainage improvements and emergency equipment, would remain available for future storms and high-tide events.
The County has already begun developing a coordinated public communications campaign, including a dedicated El Niño webpage that brings together information and resources to address the community’s primary questions; What is El Niño, how can the community prepare, and how is the County preparing?
Additional tools will be provided to direct practical preparedness information through news media, social media, advertising, community meetings, multilingual materials and direct neighborhood outreach. Countywide town halls are planned, along with more intensive communications in particularly vulnerable areas.
County officials emphasize that temporary measures can reduce flood risk but cannot eliminate it. Residents and businesses also have an important role in protecting themselves and their properties.
Take five steps now
“The most important step is for everyone to know their flood risk and identify potentially hazardous areas around their home and travel routes, including the likelihood of US 101 and other major routes to be flooded,” said Steven Torrence, the Director of Marin County’s Office of Emergency Management.
He is suggesting five steps for all community members to take now:
- Sign up for AlertMarin and monitor official emergency information.
- Make an emergency plan for your household, including pets and anyone who may need additional assistance.
- Prepare a “go bag” with essential items that you can grab quickly and leave.
- Build a “stay box” with supplies in case you need to shelter in place.
- Connect with neighbors and identify ways to help one another during an emergency.
The County will increase public communications as we progress into the winter season, including advance reminders before anticipated king tide events in November, December and January and storm-specific information when conditions warrant.
Community members can find emergency preparedness information at ReadyMarin.org.
The Board of Supervisors meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 29, beginning at 9 AM in the Board chamber, Suite 330, Marin County Civic Center, 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael. Meeting materials, viewing options and information about public participation are available at marincounty.gov.
# # #
For disability accommodations, please phone (415) 473-7309 (voice), CA Relay 711, or email County staff at least five business days in advance of the event. The County will do its best to fulfill requests received with less than five business days’ notice. Copies of documents are available in alternative formats, upon request.