San Rafael Police Department: Major Weekend Storm Significantly Impacted San Rafael And City Crews

Press release from the San Rafael Police Department:

October 25, 2021

San Rafael, CA – Sunday, October 24th, 2021, one of the strongest, top five rainstorms in recorded history hit Northern California, bringing more than 7 inches of rain to San Rafael in 24 hours.

In addition to the heavy rainfall, the impacts of the storm were heightened by tides, leaves still on trees which creates a sail effect, and strong winds. The heavy rains began impacting San Rafael early Sunday and by 8:00 AM, storm drains and creeks began flooding the low-lying areas in San Rafael.

By noon, the tide was coming in, and there was widespread flooding which prompted San Rafael Public Works (DPW), Police (PD), and Fire Departments (FD) to partially activate the City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

Additional off-duty personnel were called in to assist with the volume of storm-related problems and hazards.

City crews handled downed trees, flooded roads and residences, downed power lines, trapped motorists, and other emergency calls for service.

At 1:00 PM, in the downtown area, most of the streets south of Second Street between A Street and D Street saw major flooding and were closed.

Additional road closures occurred as the water continued to rise with the matching high tides.

By 1:15 PM, SRPD was forced to close eastbound Second Street from Fourth Street all the way to Hetherton Street and divert traffic onto Fourth Street and Fifth Street through the downtown corridor. The next closure occurred on Third Street between Heatherton Street and Lootens Place. Additional flooding occurred on Grand Avenue at the intersections with Second Street, Third Street, and Fourth Street. Andersen Drive became impassable between Bellam Boulevard and Francisco Boulevard West.

SRPD Dispatch was inundated with emergency 9-1-1 and urgent calls requesting assistance throughout the city. EOC Officials and Dispatchers began sending emergency notifications through Nixle and social media to alert residents and drivers to avoid flooded areas and the downtown corridor.

While most drivers observed road closures and avoided flooded streets, several others did not. It was reported that over a dozen vehicles ended up stalled and stranded in waters that were one foot to three feet deep. Emergency crews at times saw drivers disregarding road closures and, in some cases, observed drivers running down barricades and cones only to get stuck in floodwaters. On Andersen Drive, a few motorists decided to drive down the wrong way on the street and then back into the flooded portions.

Fire Department staff used fire engines to rescue motorists from vehicles in flood water up to their doors. Stalled and stranded motorists found themselves waiting hours for roadside assistance. Others abandoned their vehicles, which in some cases could not be reached or towed until floodwaters receded.

This press release was produced by the San Rafael Police Department. The views expressed here are the author’s own.