… A historically strong El Niño is poised to raise water levels higher than ever [in San Rafael]. … It’s a particular concern for San Rafael’s Canal District, where nearly one-fifth of city residents are already living largely below sea level. City officials are warning that muddied seawater could fill neighborhood streets and take hours or even days to recede. Since the only two evacuation routes are at risk of flooding, emergency responders would have to rescue stranded residents by boat. … Earlier this month, the city declared a local state of emergency. It set aside $500,000 in city funds and secured $3 million from the county for flood preparedness and response. These funds will go toward more water pumps and community outreach, but it may not be enough. 

Other El Niño news:

• KTLA (Los Angeles): Southern California’s coastal flooding is a problem now. Expert warns it could get worse
• The Sacramento Bee (Calif.): King tides and Kelvin waves are eroding California’s coastline. It won’t stop soon
• The New York Times: California’s high tides set records this week. They’re going to get higher.
• The Guardian: Record-breaking high tides spark chaos – and kayak commutes – across California
• NPR: Forecasters are predicting a warmer and wetter winter. Here’s how El Niño will affect your region
• UC Irvine: Podcast: Preparing for unpredictable precipitation with David Feldman
• California WaterBlog (UC Davis): Preparing for the storm