Storm Slams San Rafael

SAN RAFAEL, CA — A massive storm Sunday dumped more than a foot of rain in parts of Marin and caused flooding and road closures in San Rafael.

The National Weather Service reports 16.55 inches of rain pounded Mount Tamalpais over a 48-year period as of Monday at 6:36 a.m., of which 13 inches fell Sunday, SFGate reports.

Downton San Rafael experienced extreme flooding Sunday afternoon, with authorities warning people to avoid the area.

Many roadways were under two feet of water and were impassable, San Rafael police said in an alert about 2:15 p.m.

All roadways were open as of 1:29 a.m. Monday, according to police.

In Mill Valley, Miller Avenue was closed at three spots, due to localized flooding: at Montford Avenue, at Camino Alto, and between Camino Alto and Almonte Boulevard.

Officials asked residents had to drive during the storm to use E. Blithedale, due to flooding and fallen debris.

They also asked residents who live along the Arroyo Corte Madera Creek to monitor their properties closely for flooding and to please check on neighbors who might need an extra hand or have difficulties during this time.

The Mill Valley Community Center was opened as a warming center for anyone who needs to leave their home because of rising flood water.

No evacuations were announced.

Flood sirens activated in Ross, San Anselmo and Fairfax on Sunday afternoon after Corte Madera Creek crested, the Marin County Sheriff's Office said.

Homes and businesses in the low-lying areas were advised to move personal property and cars to higher ground after the creek topped its banks, the sheriff's office said on social media about 4 p.m.

The streams started receding late Sunday night, the county’s Public Emergency Portal reported at 11:45 p.m.

In Novato, Cherry Street at Armstrong Avenue was closed due to flooding, according to police.

Officers responded to dozens of weather-related calls for service, according to police.
"Luckily no one was hurt and only minor property damage was reported, police said.

Early Sunday afternoon, high winds overturned several big rigs, snarling eastbound traffic on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge for hours, KRON reports.

— Bay City News and Patch staffer Gideon Rubin contributed to this report