Living Near Water in Marin: Risks, Recent King Tide Flooding & Smart Solutions

Marin’s shoreline and creekside neighborhoods are among the most scenic and sought-after places to call home. But as we’ve seen very recently, living near water also means understanding and planning for flood risk — especially when nature doesn’t behave the way we’ve historically expected.

RECENT KING TIDES & FLOODING IN MARIN: A REALITY CHECK

In early January 2026, record-high king tides coincided with heavy rain and storm surge, producing widespread flooding across low-lying areas of Marin County. Communities including Greenbrae, Corte Madera, Larkspur, San Rafael, and Sausalito saw streets, garages, and properties inundated as water levels reached some of the highest in nearly three decades, with tidal gauges recording levels up to 2.5 feet above normal — the kind not seen since 1998.  

This combination of King tides + rainfall + wind-driven surge strained drainage systems and overwhelmed protective infrastructure, leaving water standing on Highway 101 and other critical corridors for hours and prompting emergency response efforts.  

King tides themselves are a natural phenomenon — caused when the sun, moon, and Earth’s gravitational forces align — producing the highest tides of the year. But when these historically high tides coincide with winter storm systems and runoff, they can push water farther inland than many property owners expect.  

This powerful reminder from nature shows that coastal and estuary communities in Marin — despite past flood histories — are experiencing flood events that feel more like what climate projections have long warned about.

IS YOUR HOME IN A FLOOD ZONE?

Flood risk in Marin isn’t just about proximity to open water — it’s affected by:

• Creek runoff during storms
• High bay tides that slow drainage
• Storm surge compounded by wind
• Sea level rise trends

To see your specific risk, you can check:

• FEMA Flood Maps — official flood risk zones nationwide.

👉 https://www.fema.gov/flood-maps  

• MarinMap — enter your address to view FEMA flood hazards and local flood zone data.

👉 https://www.marinmap.org/  

• FEMA Search By Address — interactive portal to see detailed flood data:

👉 https://msc.fema.gov/portal/search  

• Marin Sea Level Rise Viewer — explore sea level rise scenarios over time:

👉 https://flooddistrict.marincounty.gov/marin-sea-level-rise-viewer/  

UNDERSTANDING ZONES & INSURANCE

Your flood zone — whether FEMA’s Zone A, V, B, C, or X — affects your lender requirements and insurance options. Properties in higher-risk Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) often require flood insurance. Visiting FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program info page is a good place to start when reviewing coverage options.
👉 https://publicworks.marincounty.gov/fema-flood-information-national-flood-insurance-program-nfip/  

Even if insurance isn’t required, recent events show that properties once considered “safe” can still experience flood impacts. Many homeowners now consider coverage proactively — especially those near creeks, the bay, or low-lying zones.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO BE READY

If your home is in or near a flood-prone area, smart preparation goes a long way:

• Install sump pumps and backflow preventers.
• Equip a generator for power outages.
• Keep sandbags or inflatable flood barriers on hand.
• Evaluate the feasibility of raising mechanical equipment above likely water levels.
• For significant risk exposure, explore elevation or structural improvements.

These measures can save tens of thousands in repairs and minimize disruption when water arrives.

MARIN COUNTY FLOOD PROTECTION & LONG-TERM PLANNING

The Marin County Flood Control and Water Conservation District actively manages flood risk across multiple watersheds. You can find current projects, flood risk reduction plans, and community resources here:
👉 https://flooddistrict.marincounty.gov/  

Each flood control zone — from Richardson Bay to Ross Valley — has distinct challenges and mitigation plans. For example, restoration of creek channels and levee upgrades are underway to improve drainage and reduce future flood risk.

STAY INFORMED & STAY SAFE

To get alerts from the County during flood events (including levee concerns or evacuation notices), sign up for AlertMarinand review flood safety information from local authorities:

• AlertMarin sign-ups via the county’s Public Emergency Portal.
• Marin County Flood Safety resources via Marin Health & Human Services:

👉 https://www.marinhhs.org/flood-safety  

• Local flooding guidance and sandbag info via Marin’s fire districts:

👉 https://www.smfd.org/public-education/your-business/flooding-and-winter-storm-resources  

IN SUMMARY

Marin’s extraordinary natural beauty comes with real environmental considerations. The recent January 2026 King tide flooding — among the most widespread in recent memory — demonstrates that flood risk here isn’t theoretical. It’s real, it’s happening, and it’s changing how buyers, owners, and communities think about living near water.  

The good news? With smart planning, solid information, and proactive steps, you can protect your home, preserve its value, and enjoy the coastal lifestyle Marin is known for. If you’d like help interpreting your flood zone, evaluating insurance options, or making a long-term resiliency plan for your property, I’m here to walk through it with you.