Severe storm to arrive on Wednesday.
NOVATO JOINT EMERGENCY OPERATION CENTER
Marin County on Storm Watch
For Immediate Release
December 9, 2014
Novato, CA – Novato is preparing for the next big storm, which is reported to be more severe than the most recent storm on Dec. 3. The expected storm is known as the “Decade Storm” due to the 10-year frequency of the severity. Weather reports indicate that Marin County expects rain by Wednesday evening and will increase throughout the night, continue to be heavy all day Thursday and through Friday. This storm is a slow moving storm that will impact Marin County heavily.
Weather forecasts report after a dry day Tuesday, rain will return Wednesday night and continue throughout Thursday night. Rain could be heavy at times and may cause flooding. Very gusty winds are also expected.
*** HIGH WIND AND FLASH FLOOD WATCHES ISSUED FOR MARIN COUNTY FOR THURSDAY ***
Winds: Winds of 20-30 mph with gusts well over 40 mph for urban locations. Winds of 30-40 mph with gusts well over 60 mph for higher elevation locations.
*Impacts: Downed trees and falling power lines creating widespread power outages. Difficult driving conditions.
This storm is expected to be one of the strongest storms in terms of wind and rain intensity since the storms on October
13, 2009 storm and January 4, 2008. Rain is expected to begin in the North Bay on Wednesday afternoon and then will become heavy by late evening. Heavy rainfall will then move slowly and steadily southward.
Prepare in advance:
• Clean debris from gutters.
• Limb up weak trees or remove them entirely.
• Secure outdoor furniture.
• Check your storm drains and clear debris if necessary.
• Bring pets inside for safety. Marin Humane Society offers free boarding for pets for evacuated residents.
• Fixed any lose screens or cracked windows.
• Get sandbags and sand. The City of Novato provides free self-serve sandbags and sand stockpile at its Corp Yard Facility at 550 Davidson Avenue, east of Highway 101 near De Long Avenue. Residents should bring their own shovels and gloves. More information on sandbags can be found at www.novato.org
During the storm, make sure you:
• Remain at home and avoid driving if possible.
• Keep away from downed or hanging power lines. 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; O Between 7:00 am and 4:30 pm
§ Public Works Department at (415)899-8280
O After hours between 4:30 pm and 7:00 am
§ Novato Police Department at (415)897-4361
If you need emergency response, please call 9 1 1. All emergency calls are routed through emergency dispatch.
Novato authorities anticipate activating the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to coordinate and distribute emergency information as needed. To stay updated, please sign up for Nixle emergency alert notifications as well as e-notifications at www.novato.org and www.novatofire.org.
Address/Location
Novato Fire District
95 Rowland Way
Novato, CA 94945
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 415-878-2690
Sandy Wargo
Public Information Officer
[email protected]
415-878-2623
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