City of Mill Valley Issues Winter Storm Advisory

The following is an announcement from the City of Mill Valley:

Forecasters are predicting heavy rains and strong winds this week as a series of Pacific storm systems impact the Bay Area. The heaviest rain and strongest winds are expected to arrive late Monday night through Tuesday morning and then again on Wednesday. Drier weather is forecast byFriday.

Periods of heavy rain will likely result in local flooding of low lying or poorly drained areas. Commute times may be longer, especially on Tuesday morning. There may be flooding in low-lying locations such as lower Miller Avenue and the Manzanita Parking area near Highway 101. Winds may bring down trees and power lines and result in power outages.

High tides for the upcoming days are listed below. If you will be travelling during this time, please avoid roadways likely to flood during these times:

• Tuesday, January 5 at 7:55 am - 5.7 ft
• Wednesday, January 6 at 8:35 am - 5.9 ft
• Thursday, January 7 at 9:15 am - 6.1 ft
• Friday, January 8 at 9:55 am - 6.3 ft

The City of Mill Valley strongly encourages businesses and residents to prepare for the upcoming rain, wind and potential flooding and power outages.

The following lists potential issues and resources available to help you prepare for the many issues winter storms may present:

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Road Conditions and Traffic - Street flooding is commonly seen during heavy rain events in low-lying coastal areas.

• Heavy rain and high winds can lead to road closures and traffic back-ups due to flooding, downed trees or landslides. Check www.mvtraffic.orgfor traffic and roadway conditions and alerts before your trip.
• If a power outage causes flashing traffic lights, treat the intersection as a four-way stop and proceed with caution.
• When driving in the rain, use extra caution and turn your headlights on. California law requires that headlights must be turned on whenever your windshield wipers are in operation regardless of the time of day.
• Please obey the speed limits and follow other traffic at a safe distance.
• Do not drive through standing water. Only 6 inches of water can be enough to stall your car and cause irreparable damage to the engine.

Flooding - If your home or business is in a low-lying area with a history of flooding, please take the time now to prepare for the possibility of flooding:

• Residents are urged to check local storm drains and gutters to make sure they are cleared before the upcoming rain.
• Move vehicles to higher ground, especially in flood-prone areas.
• Move items stored in low-lying areas, such as basements or other areas that have flooded in the past.
• Learn more about sandbags, flood maps, and other preparations here.
• If a blocked catch basin or storm drain is causing flooding please call (415) 472-0911. If it is an emergency call 911.

Power Outages

Downed Trees and Limbs

• If the tree is within the City limits of Mill Valley and is on City property, or if the tree is blocking a public right of way or roadway please call (415) 472-0911. If it is an emergency call 911.
• If the tree is on private property or has fallen onto private property contact the property owner.
• If the tree is touching electrical wires contact PG&E at 800-743-500 or non-emergency dispatch at 415-442-4526.

Stay Informed
In an emergency, communication is crucial to the safety of all residents and businesses. Please bookmark or sign up for the communications methods listed below:

• We will provide updates at the City of Mill Valley website. Go to www.cityofmillvalley.org for the latest information.
• Sign up for Alert Marin - Enter your telephone number and email address and this County-wide program will give you a call, text, or email if there is an emergency.
• Sign up for MVConnect an eNewsletter sent directly to your inbox.
• Sign up for eNotifications. Receive notifications in your inbox. Select “Emergency Notifications” and “Traffic Conditions and Road Closures” for information.
• Sign up for Nextdoor- a private, neighborhood-based social network. The City can issue emergency alerts that will go directly to your email inbox.
• Go to www.mvtraffic.org for the latest traffic map and Tweets from the Mill Valley Police Department.
• Like us on Facebook
• Follow us on Twitter:
  o Mill Valley Police Department
  o City of Mill Valley

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