UPDATED: Storm Update for Novato: 2.21 Inches of Rain in 24 Hours Leads to Local Flooding

The following is a news release from the Novato Joint Emergency Operations Center:

UPDATE NOON THURSDAY:

With the heavy rains over the past few hours, localized flooding is occurring on many of Novato’s roadways, including:

• S. Novato @ RowlandSutro/Vineyard
• Olive/Hwy 101
• Cherry @ Cherry Hill
• Denlyn, Fairway/Ignacio,
• Hamilton/Nave

*** FLOOD ADVISORY FOR THE NEXT 4 HOURS, AND A FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR MARIN COUNTY FOR TODAY *** Despite lull in storm, pockets of heavy rain is expected throughout the day.

ORIGINAL STORY POSTED AT 10 A.M.:

Seven hours into the activation of the Novato Emergency Operations Center (EOC), the string of storm cells generated from the south/southwest has produced approximately 1.5 inches of rain in Novato, for a total of 2.21 inches in the past 24 hours, which has caused localized flooding on roadways and creeks.

The intersection of Reichert and Sweetser Avenues is closed and crews are watching for potential flooding along Center Road and Wilmac Avenue. Flooding is occurring on Alameda de Prado at Ignacio, Olive Ave at Hwy 101, and San Marin Drive and Simmons Lane, however these areas currently remain open to traffic.

At this time, Novato Creek is at 6.12 feet-well within its flood level of 13 feet.

Additionally, winds ranging from 15 to 22 MPH have caused downed trees and power lines in areas including Indian Valley, where PG&E has confirmed approximately 350 customers are without power. A High Wind Warning remains in effect for today.

The Novato Fire District and the City of Novato have been working closely for the past several days to plan for this storm which is expected to continue throughout the day. Since the start of the storm, the City’s Public Works crews and the Novato Police Department have been patrolling citywide and monitoring flood prone areas-clearing storm drains and debris and fallen trees from roadways.

The Novato Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was activated at 12:00 a.m. Thursday, December 11, 2014 and will continue to operate throughout the duration of the storm. The EOC supports the needs of emergency field response and helps prioritize emergency calls by dividing Novato into North and South response zones at the intersection of highways 37 and 101.

Weather forecasts more rain, heavy at times, with new rainfall amounts between 2 and 3 inches possible. Will continue to be windy, with a south southeast wind 23 to 33 mph becoming southwest 11 to 21 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 47 mph.

*** FLOOD ADVISORY FOR THE NEXT 4 HOURS, AND A FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR MARIN COUNTY FOR TODAY ***

The City has replenished its supply of sand and bags at both the Corp Yard Facility at 550 Davidson Avenue, east of Highway 101 near De Long Avenue and at the Hamilton Theatre, 507 South Palm Drive. Residents should bring their own shovels and gloves. Updates on sandbag availability can be found at www.novato.org.

If possible, please remain at home. We encourage everyone to stay off of the roads for the duration of the storm. Please avoid any areas that have emergency personnel response.

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 continues to work, 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

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.

Novato authorities activate the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to coordinate and distribute emergency information and deploy resources as needed. To stay updated, please sign up for Nixle emergency alert notifications as well as e-notifications at www.novato.org andwww.novatofire.org.

(Image via Shutterstock)