Novato Readies for Storm, Warns Residents to Prepare for Possible Flooding

The following is a news release from the City of Novato:

The City of Novato and the Novato Fire District are preparing for a series of storms expected across the Pacific Northwest and northern California through the weekend and into Monday.

According to the National Weather Service, heavy rain and strong winds are expected, with the heaviest rains anticipated Thursday night into Friday. Rainfall amounts in excess of five inches are possible through Saturday evening, especially in the North Bay. This system will also bring in high winds to the region, with gusts up to 60 mph. A Flash Flood Watch is in effect from today at 10 p.m. until Saturday at 6 a.m.

The City has stockpiles of sand and sandbags available to the community at two locations:

• City Corp Yard at 550 Davidson Avenue, east of Highway 101 near De Long Avenue
• In front of the Hamilton Theater, 507 South Palm Drive

Please bring your own shovel and gloves.

Emergency response personnel including Novato Police, Novato Fire District, the City of Novato Public Works Department and other local agencies are monitoring the situation and are ready to respond. Novato’s Joint Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will be activated, if conditions warrant.

During the storm, make sure you:

• Remain at home and avoid driving if possible.
• Consider all downed lines to be energized.
• Have batteries ready to go for flashlights, radios and other devices.
• Avoid standing water. Do not drive or walk in flooded areas.
• Keep away from emergency vehicles and take alternate roads.

City staff will be working, and is on call 24-hours, during these types of events to address flooding of public roads and facilities.

To report flooding or downed trees within Novato, please contact the City.

· Between 7:00 am and 4:30 pm--Public Works Department at (415) 899-8280

· After hours between 4:30 pm and 7:00 am--Novato Police Department at (415) 897-4361

Additionally, PG&E has more information regarding: Power Line Safety and Trees, What to do if you see a downed power line and Power Outage Information.

If you have a life-threatening or imminent danger to your property, please call 9-1-1. All emergency calls are routed through emergency dispatch.