Thursday, high tides brought floodwaters onto roads, into parking lots, and through neighborhoods throughout Marin County. Elevated water levels were spotted around the county during and after high tide, just after midday Thursday afternoon. These elevated water levels came on what was otherwise a clear day in Marin County. Video footage from the news chopper from that time showed flooding in Sausalito, Belvedere, Mill Valley, Corte Madera, and more. Forecasters say the high tides are compounded by especially warm waters off the Pacific, with thermal expansion of the water leading water levels to rise. Already, officials warned residents of coastal areas to be on alert for flooding this week. Now, the National Weather Service has extended its Coastal Flood Advisory through Sunday at 6 p.m. for low-lying, bayshore locations along the San Pablo Bay, San Francisco Bay, and Monterey Bay. “It’s a little bit alarming, I live right on the marsh,” said Nancy Miller of Mill Valley, who noticed the water level rising at the marsh outside where she lives this week. “Oh yes, I’ve lived here now 9 years, and it’s definitely more than I’ve ever seen,” she said. The high tide flooding prompted Caltrans to close the ramp that connects northbound Highway 101 and Highway 1 in Mill Valley, explained Matt O’Donnell, Marin County Public Information Officer for Caltrans. “They have had to close that same ramp quite a few times this month,” he noted, adding that with El Niño in the forecast for this winter, residents should stay on alert for more possible road closures. O’Donnell noted that drivers who drive into flooded roads risk their own safety and damage to their cars. “It’s just not worth the risk, if a maintenance worker is telling you to stay off that roadway, then stay off that roadway please,” he emphasized. Thursday, Lucky Drive in Corte Madera off of 101 flooded, as it has been known to do during high tides. Officials blocked off parts of the roadway and directed traffic around some of the deeper areas of water. Mary Sackett, Marin County Supervisor for District 1, which covers San Rafael, explained that county workers have been going door-to-door in the Santa Venetia area, asking for access to properties to do flood prevention work. “We really ask that you say yes, and open your door and allow us to do what we can,” Sackett said. ...read more read less