Marin County experienced a second consecutive day of significant flooding as king tides, exacerbated by a storm surge, inundated roads and businesses, particularly in Larkspur. The combination of the highest king tides recorded since 1998 and substantial rainfall led to widespread flooding, prompting urgent responses from local residents and authorities.
At the Marin RV Park in Larkspur, water rapidly encompassed the driveway within a mere 15 minutes, leaving many residents anxious about the safety of their vehicles. Roy Demicco, a resident, shared his concerns as he awaited his son to help maneuver their RV out of the rising waters. “The plan is to get my son out of there. He’s coming soon. We’re going to let it do its thing and come back this afternoon,” he stated.
As the flooding intensified around 11 a.m., motorists found themselves stranded on Highway 101, with water closing off both directions of the roadway. Drivers struggled to navigate the high water, with Ruthie Wahlborg, in a Mini Cooper, stuck in the depths of the flood. “As I tried to pass through the bigger part of the flood, I’m in a Mini Cooper, and it was too low. Here I sit,” she recounted.
Visuals from the scene were striking, with videos circulating showing vehicles swept away by the torrents. The California Highway Patrol temporarily halted traffic and later restricted it to a single lane as the situation unfolded. Central Marin Fire Department was inundated with calls for assistance, echoing the crucial message: “Turn around. Don’t drown. If you need help, call 911,” as noted by Battalion Chief Brian Peterson.
Businesses were not spared either; sandbags were deployed at Shineology car wash, where flooding affected their detailing garage and possibly damaged gas pumps. Manager Jose Son expressed surprise at the extent of the flooding, saying, “We weren’t expecting this much water. Everybody is scared.” In nearby Trader Joe’s, employees watched the chaos, with one commenting on the unusual and dramatic scene unfolding outside.
This extreme weather event serves as a stark reminder of the potential impact of climate fluctuations and extreme tidal events, drawing attention to local infrastructure and community preparedness. As residents begin clean-up efforts, this situation underscores the vulnerabilities of coastal areas and the need for ongoing dialogue about resilience against such natural phenomena.