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Marin County still pumping out floodwaters after recent storms
The sounds of loud pumps resounded through the Larkspur Marina neighborhood Tuesday, as crews tried to pump water out of the Larkspur Marina Lagoon that overran the banks over the weekend, in the confluence of King tides, storm surge and the relentless downpour.
LARKSPUR, Calif. - Sunshine and clear skies returned to Marin County on Tuesday, a welcome sight for residents affected by widespread flooding caused by king tides and heavy weekend rain.
The combination of unusually high tides and persistent storms left many neighborhoods inundated and residents struggling to stay dry.
Lagoon overflow hits Larkspur Marina
What we know:
The sound of loud pumps filled the Larkspur Marina neighborhood as crews worked to drain the Larkspur Marina Lagoon, which overflowed its banks over the weekend amid king tides, storm surge and heavy rainfall.
"Over 30 years and it’s never been like this," said Linda Sudduth, a longtime Larkspur Marina resident. "It was coming from the creek on both sides of the house and completely flooded the front of the house."
Businesses reopen in Marin County after massive storm flooding
Cleanup efforts were underway Tuesday for business owners in Marin County after weekend flooding left parts of the area submerged under feet of standing water, forcing closures and causing extensive damage.
Cleanup efforts across the county
Local perspective:
Cleanup was underway throughout Marin County as residents and businesses assessed the damage.
At Fitness SF in Corte Madera, crews used heavy equipment to remove damaged flooring, sanitize surfaces and clear out furniture. Manager Ryan Davis said employees worked nonstop through the weekend in hopes of reopening.
Homeowners also hired crews to remove debris and rip out waterlogged carpeting.
"We had about 8 inches in our living room," said Larkspur resident Marla Fibish. "In our living room, dining room, bedroom, that entire lower level."
Fibish and her husband, Bruce Victor, said crews warned them about mold and contaminated floodwater.
King tides bring major flooding to Greenbrae
Low-lying Greenbrae in Marin County experienced extensive flooding on Friday due to a combination of king tides, intense rains and winds.
"It’s toxic. You have to treat it like water that can get you sick," Fibish said. "We have to wash everything — even things that did not get wet that just were exposed to the water vapor."
Marin County officials said crews continued work in the Santa Venetia area, placing sandbags where a levee and berms were breached.
"It was like a waterfall," said resident Dennis Fiore, pointing to where floodwaters poured into his backyard. He said county workers responded by sandbagging the area. Fiore said the berm was scheduled to be replaced with a wall, but construction had not begun before the storms.
County officials said the repairs are temporary.
"We did put into place what is definitely considered a temporary solution, and things are holding just fine," said Laine Hendricks, a Marin County spokesperson. "But long term, we are looking at how we can make repairs to that levee."
Officials said they are still assessing how many homes were affected and hope to develop a permanent plan for the levee and surrounding area soon.
The Source: Information for this story comes from Marin County officials and interviews with residents.