This Marin County blog post digs into the National Weather Service’s latest thunderstorm warning and what folks from San Rafael to Point Reyes should know tonight. I’ve covered weather and safety in Marin for three decades, so let’s get into the details, the communities in the path, and some practical steps to stay safe in towns from Novato to Fairfax and beyond.
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Latest Thunderstorm Warning: Marin County Tonight
The NWS just updated their alert at 11:07 p.m. They’re calling for strong thunderstorms to sweep through Marin’s Coastal Range, the Coastal North Bay including Point Reyes, and the North Bay Interior Valleys through about 11:30 p.m.
Doppler radar spotted a pretty strong cell over San Geronimo, moving northeast at about 35 mph. Wind gusts could hit 40 mph, and there’s a good chance of pea-sized hail (roughly 0.25 inches).
People in Marin should expect gusty winds that might knock down tree limbs or send loose patio furniture flying. Hail could pile up briefly on roads and make things slick.
The storm’s heading toward central Marin, so places like San Rafael, Novato, San Anselmo, Fairfax, and Woodacre should keep an eye out as the line moves through.
Affected Communities and Watch Areas
This warning covers more than just the usual Marin spots. It specifically mentions San Geronimo, Black Point-Green Point, Lucas Valley-Marinwood, Lagunitas-Forest Knolls, and areas near Marinwood and Point Reyes Station.
Even though these towns seem spread out, the thunderstorm’s reach stretches across the San Anselmo and Fairfax corridor into Ross Valley, plus parts of Larkspur and Corte Madera. Radar shows rain bands and wind gusts moving through the hills above Mill Valley and Tiburon.
If you’re in downtown San Rafael, Novato, San Anselmo, or Lagunitas, here’s the gist: watch the sky, check traffic, and get ready for slick roads and gusty winds. These quick-moving storms can catch drivers by surprise, especially in Marin’s backcountry near Highway 1 or the winding roads into Fairfax.
Safety and Preparedness: What Marin Residents Should Do
With lightning, hail, and strong winds possible, here are some practical steps for folks in Mill Valley, Sausalito, Tiburon, Corte Madera, and the rest of Marin. The NWS always says to get indoors, but Marin’s geography makes things a bit more complicated—from the flats around San Rafael to the wooded canyons of Fairfax and the ridge tops near San Geronimo.
Lightning Safety: Indoor and Outdoor Scenarios
- Get indoors as soon as you hear thunder. If you’re near downtown San Rafael, San Anselmo, or Novato, head inside a sturdy building or your car with the windows up.
- Stay away from corded phones, electrical gear, plumbing, and windows during the storm. If you’re in Fairfax or Larkspur and the storm is overhead, unplug nonessential electronics if you can.
- Wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before heading back outside—especially along the coastal ridges, where lightning sometimes strikes far from the storm’s center.
- If you can’t get indoors: steer clear of open fields, hilltops, tall lone trees, water, wet stuff, and metal. Campers should move to low ground and keep some distance from each other.
Driving and Outdoor Activity During a Marin Thunderstorm
- Drivers should use headlights. Stick to the middle lanes and steer clear of puddles and flooded roads. Don’t tailgate big trucks or buses—they kick up a ton of spray and make it hard to see.
- If hydroplaning happens, let off the accelerator and gently steer into the skid. Wait for your tires to grip again. Brake lightly—if you’ve got ABS, use it as normal, but with older cars, pump the brakes instead.
- Watch for downed limbs and loose yard stuff around homes in San Rafael, Novato, and San Anselmo. Wind gusts can snap branches and send them flying, so keep an eye out for hazards whether you’re driving or just walking outside.
In Marin’s towns—whether you’re near Sausalito’s waterfront or up in the hills above Black Point—it’s honestly just best to stay alert. The weather can turn fast, and it’s smart to protect your family, pets, and property. Local fire and police are out there, keeping tabs and sending updates through the night. Might be a good idea to check in with trusted local news, and maybe double-check that your doors and windows are locked up while the storm moves over Point Reyes and the Marin foothills.
Here is the source article for this story: Weather alert for showers in Northern California Saturday night – gusts to hit 30 mph
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