Brace yourselves, Bay Area! A potent combination of a Level 2 storm and the annual king tides is brewing, threatening to cause significant disruption and potential danger. This is a developing situation, so let's dive into the details to stay informed and safe.
Last updated: Friday, January 2, 2026, at 9:39 PM GMT
The forecast is calling for a Level 2 storm to sweep through the Bay Area later on Friday afternoon. This storm is expected to bring gusty winds and a chance of thunderstorms. Simultaneously, the seasonal king tides are predicted to impact Marin County from Thursday through Saturday. The convergence of these two events increases the risk of flooding in low-lying shoreline areas. But here's where it gets interesting: King tides, the highest tides of the year, are caused by the gravitational alignment of the sun and moon. These astronomical events can lead to flooded roadways, parking areas, and damage to shoreline infrastructure. The National Weather Service issued a coastal flood advisory for the shorelines of San Francisco Bay, San Pablo Bay, Monterey Bay, and the Pacific Coast, starting Wednesday at 5 AM and lasting until Sunday at 2 PM.
Key Headlines:
PG&E Prepares for the Storm: Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) is proactively positioning extra crews in areas expected to be hardest hit by the Level 2 storm. They're also offering crucial safety tips:
- Downed Wires: Never touch them! Assume they are energized and extremely dangerous. Report them immediately by calling 9-1-1, then PG&E at 1-800-743-5002.
- Generators: Ensure they are properly installed by a licensed electrician and used in well-ventilated areas. Portable generators should also be used in well-ventilated spaces.
- Power Outages: Use flashlights, not candles, due to fire risks. Keep extra batteries on hand. If you must use candles, keep them away from flammable materials and never leave them unattended.
- Food Safety: Freeze water in plastic containers to create ice blocks to prevent food spoilage.
Storm Details: ABC7 News Meteorologist Drew Tuma says that the morning will start off calm, but things will change around 2 PM. We can expect downpours and the chance of thunderstorms after 5 PM. A Wind Advisory will go into effect Friday night, with the strongest winds between 7 PM Friday and 2 AM Saturday, potentially reaching gusts of up to 50 mph. The threat of power outages and downed trees is also a concern, especially along the coast.
King Tides and Flooding: Record-breaking king tides are already impacting parts of the North Bay, with cars stranded in floodwaters. Here are the peak tide forecasts for early 2026:
- Thursday: Peak tide at 8:41 AM (7.0 feet)
- Friday: Peak tide at 9:34 AM (7.2 feet)
- Saturday: Peak tide at 10:26 AM (7.1 feet)
Residents in vulnerable areas should plan for possible travel disruptions and allow extra time during morning hours when tides are at their highest. You can check traffic and transit conditions at 511.org and local emergency information at emergency.marincounty.gov. Sign up for Alert Marin notifications to receive timely updates.
Where to Find Information and Help:
- Rainfall Data: View nearly real-time rainfall data on Marin County's One Rain page at marin.onerain.com.
- Road and Storm Updates: Follow @MarinDPW, @MarinSheriff, and @CHPMarin on X for frequent updates.
- Emergencies: Report emergencies by calling 911.
- Non-Emergency Concerns: Contact the Marin County Department of Public Works at (415) 473-6530 for non-emergency flooding or roadway concerns.
The Southern Marin Fire Protection District urges residents to prepare by seeking sand and sandbags if needed. Sand and bags can be purchased at local hardware stores. You can also find them at the following locations:
- Mill Valley:
- 1 Hamilton Drive (Hauke Park) - parking lot next to the Public Safety Building.
- 71 Thalia St. (Boyle Park) - parking lot near the baseball fields.
- 40 Molino Ave. (near Old Mill Park) - behind Old Mill Park, approximately 100 yards east of Molino Avenue/Cascade Way.
- Sausalito:
- 610 Coloma St. (old MLK School) - between buildings 6 and 7.
- 530 Nevada St. (Sausalito Corps Yard) - available Monday-Thursday 7 AM to 3 PM.
- Strawberry & Alto:
- 10 Miland Drive - across the street from 10 Miland Drive next to the fire road gate, approximately 500 feet up the hill on the left.
- Tam Valley:
- 203 Marin Ave. (Tam Valley Community Center parking lot) - left upon entering the parking lot; please park in the spaces and do not block the driveway - www.tamcsd.org or (415) 388-6393.
- Tiburon:
- 654 Tiburon Blvd. (Blackie's Pasture) - Sandbags are only at this location when big storms are known to be approaching.
Controversy & Comment Hooks:
This situation highlights the increasing impact of extreme weather events. Are local authorities doing enough to prepare for these combined threats of storms and king tides? What additional measures could be taken to mitigate the effects of flooding and protect vulnerable communities? Share your thoughts and concerns in the comments below!
