Winter Storm Preparedness

Your Preparedness Helps Us Help Those Who Need Us Most

 

WHY PREPAREDNESS MATTERS 

When severe weather impacts our community, the Tiburon Fire Protection District may experience a significant increase in emergency calls. Our crews will prioritize life-threatening emergencies, which means response times for non-life-threatening incidents—such as downed trees, debris, and power-related hazards—may be delayed.

Residents can help by preparing in advance and having the tools, supplies, and knowledge to safely manage minor emergencies until help is available. A prepared community is a resilient community.

 

WHAT TO EXPECT FOR WINTER 2026-2027 

A very strong El Niño- NOAA forecasts a greater than 90% chance of a very strong El Niño this fall and winter, with a real possibility of a historic one. The heaviest rain risk for coastal California is predicted to occur in December through March.

King tides- Extra-high tides already push water onto low-lying shoreline roads and properties. Layered with heavy rain and storm surge, they can trap water with nowhere to drain.

Localized flooding- Intense storms and tides can overwhelm storm drains and creeks in minutes, flooding streets, driveways, garages and low-lying homes.

 

WINTER PREPARDNESS RESOURCES

Flood and Emergency Notifications 

Stay Informed with AlertMarin

Stay informed before, during, and after an emergency by registering for AlertMarin. AlertMarin provides emergency notifications by text message, email, and other available channels, including information about flooding, road closures, severe weather, and other emergencies throughout Marin County.

Residents are strongly encouraged to register for AlertMarin and keep their contact information up to date so they can receive timely emergency information and instructions.

Register for AlertMarin today and stay informed when it matters most.

Sand Bags 

Self Serve Sand Bag Locations 

Please note that the safety of our citizens is the first priority of City work crews, and that replenishing the sand pile and bags may become a lower priority during a storm event. 

Belvedere Residents - There are marked wooden sandbag stations at:

  • Community Rd. @ City Hall
  • Lagoon Rd. @ Maybridge Rd.
  • West Shore Rd. across from 71-73 Westshore Rd.

Contact Belvedere Dept. of Public Works  at 415-435-3838 for sandbag related questions 

Tiburon Residents - Two locations are avaialble:

  • Beach @ Marsh Rd. behind CVS by tennis courts
  • Blackie’s Pasture gravel parking lot

Please contact Tiburon Dept. of Public Works  at  415-435-7399 for sandbag related questions 

Unicorporated Tiburon Residents- Nearest locations:

  • Cove School Parking Lot @ Paradise Dr. 

San Clemente Park parking lot on Paradise Dr. Only available during winter months. Please call 415-927-5057 for questions. 

Additional Locations- Please use the link below to find additional locations where sand or sandbags are available to be filled 

https://emergency.marincounty.gov/find-emergency-sandbags

 

For Purchase Sand Bag Locations 

  • Shamrock Materials (415) 455-1575, 548 DuBois St, San Rafael
    • Have bags – ready-made
  • Martin Brothers (415)388-2025, 232 Shoreline Hwy, Mill Valley
    • Have bags – empty and full
  •  Goodman’s, (415) 388-6233, 775 Redwood Hwy., Mill Valley
    • Have bags – empty and full
  • Water Components, (415) 451-1780, 44 Simms, SR (near Marin Sanitary)
    • Have bags – empty and full

 

How to Fill and Place Sandbags 

We urge residents to take preparedness measures by seeking sand and sandbags should they need them. Watch a video on how to fill and place sandbags.

Heavy Rain and Slope Hazards 

Hillside Instability During Winter Months

Heavy precipitation can increase the risk of mudslides, erosion, and slope instability, particularly in areas with steep terrain. Residents should be alert for significant or unusual runoff on slopes or in areas that are not typically used for drainage. This may indicate that water has been blocked or diverted from its normal drainage path upstream.

Please report unusual runoff or potential drainage concerns to Public Works. If you believe the situation presents an immediate threat to life or property, call 9-1-1.

Downed Power Lines and Power Outages 

Power Outages and Downed Power Lines

Severe weather can result in power outages, downed trees, and damaged or downed power lines. Residents should use caution around power lines and assume any downed or damaged line is energized and dangerous. Never approach or touch a downed power line or anything in contact with it.

If you see a downed power line, stay away and call 9-1-1 immediately. Report the outage or downed line to PG&E at 1-800-743-5002.

If your power goes out, report the outage to PG&E at 1-800-743-5002 or monitor PG&E's outage information for updates.

 

Prepare for a Power Outage

  • Keep flashlights and extra batteries readily available for household members.
  • Fully charge cell phones, laptops, backup battery packs, and other essential devices before a storm.
  • Have a battery-powered or hand-crank radio available for emergency information and updates.
  • Maintain an adequate supply of nonperishable food and drinking water.
  • Freeze water in bottles or containers ahead of time to help keep food cold during an outage.
  • Know how to manually open your garage door if the power is out.
  • Consider additional needs for family members who rely on electrically powered medical or other essential equipment.
Road Closures and Traffic 

Road Closures and Travel Safety

Heavy rain and flooding can result in fallen trees, debris, flooded roadways, traffic delays, and road closures. Residents are encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of severe weather and remain off the roads whenever possible.

If you must travel, use caution, allow additional travel time, and never drive through flooded roadways or around barricades or road closures.

Never drive or walk through floodwater. Water depth can be deceptive and conditions can change quickly.