CORTE MADERA, Calif. – On Saturday, Northern California faced its most intense flooding in two decades, triggered by a combination of heavy rainfall and exceptionally high tides. This led to the closure of roads and the rescue of several individuals stranded in their vehicles.
A 15-mile stretch from Sausalito to San Rafael was submerged after the downpour coincided with unprecedented “King Tides,” according to Marin County Sheriff’s Sgt. Michael Dobbins.
Though no injuries were reported, authorities were dispatched to assist motorists whose cars were caught in floodwaters reaching heights of three to four feet. Sgt. Dobbins noted the extraordinary water levels, saying, “With the highest tides in over 20 years and the heavy rain, it created a perfect storm for street flooding.”
Officials in nearby San Francisco communities urged residents to remain indoors until the floodwaters receded. Some residents resorted to kayaking down streets typically reserved for vehicles, while others waded through water up to their knees.
The National Weather Service in San Francisco issued a flood warning for the area, effective until 2 p.m. Saturday, with an advisory extending until 2 p.m. Sunday.
A flood warning was in place for the San Francisco area until 2 p.m. Saturday and an advisory until 2 p.m. Sunday, according to the National Weather Service in San Francisco.
King Tides occur when the sun, moon and Earth are in alignment and the moon is in its closest position to the Earth, creating a stronger gravitational pull.
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