Marin County residents experienced significant flooding on Friday as unusually high tides, known as King Tides, impacted the region. Roads were covered with water, and residents reported levels higher than they’ve seen in decades.
Unprecedented Flooding Reported
Dick Ryerson, a Larkspur resident of 47 years, stated, “We’ve lived here for 47 years and it’s never flooded like it has today for some reason and I can’t figure out why.” The flooding was severe enough to transform the Redwood High School parking lot into an impromptu recreational area.
Jackson Heravi, a student at Redwood High School, described the scene: “It’s a lot of fun. It’s like wakeboarding but through a parking lot so it’s fun.” Neighbors responded to the flooding by assisting one another, working into the night to clear debris from storm drains.
Community Response
Sharon Bowers, a Larkspur resident, explained her efforts: “I just came home and it was after the high tide. And I have a lot of bark here so I was just trying to clean up a bit because the drains get really stuffed up, so I was just trying to be neighborly and clean them up before tomorrow.”
Long-time residents expressed concern over the extent of the flooding. Linda Suddeth, who has lived in her home for 30 years, noted, “We’ve lived in this house for 30 years and we’ve never had water come as high as it has yesterday (Thursday) and today (Friday).” Her son, 31, added, “Yeah, seeing it come through the front of the garage, I haven’t seen this.”
Suddeth described water flowing around and into her home, even being pushed further in by the wakes of passing vehicles. The focus for residents was on protecting their homes and property.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the flooding?
The flooding was caused by King Tides, which are particularly high tides that occur when the sun and moon align, pulling together on the Earth’s oceans.
Where did the flooding occur?
The flooding occurred in Marin County, specifically in the town of Larkspur, impacting roads, parking lots, and residential areas.
How did residents respond to the flooding?
Residents responded by helping their neighbors clear storm drains and protect their homes, with some even finding ways to enjoy the unusual circumstances.
As King Tides are a predictable event, further high tides could potentially lead to similar flooding in the coming days or weeks. Residents may choose to prepare for future events based on their experiences this week.
