High Tides Could Flood Marin Roads, Prompt Closures – Patch

High Tides Could Flood Marin Roads, Prompt Closures  Patch

Police are urging residents to prepare as unusually high tides and elevated water levels raise flooding concerns. CORTE MADERA, CA — Unusually high tides could cause flooding and temporary road closures in Corte Madera and Larkspur next week, prompting police to urge residents and motorists to prepare for possible travel disruptions. The Central Marin Police Authority issued the advisory ahead of expected high tides through Friday. Flooding is possible in low-lying areas and roadways that have historically been affected during high-tide events. According to tide predictions from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, peak tides at the Richmond gauge are expected around midday and early afternoon, ranging from 6.5 to 6.8 feet. Recent observed water levels have been about a foot higher than forecast, which police attributed to warmer ocean water and windy conditions.

The elevated water levels come as California prepares for the possibility of a strong El Niño winter. Patch has reported on California’s El Niño outlook, what previous strong El Niño years could mean for the state’s 2026 winter and Gov. Gavin Newsom’s emergency declaration related to the forecast. Although the predicted tides would not typically cause significant flooding, the higher water levels could increase the risk. The highest predicted tides are 6.8 feet on Tuesday and Wednesday. Tuesday’s peak is forecast for 12:33 p.m., while Wednesday’s