Storm and flood damage in Novato, CA
Storm flooding brings outside water into homes from creeks, tides, storm drains and hillside runoff. It's treated as contaminated, and it's usually excluded from standard homeowners policies. Here's what that looks like in Novato, what to do, and how to get connected with an independent, licensed local provider.
Storm and flood damage in Novato: what we see
Novato Creek and its tributaries can rise quickly in heavy rain, and low areas on the east side near the bay, including around Bel Marin Keys, sit close to water levels. Many Novato homes are on slabs, so floodwater goes straight into living space.
The local picture
Where floodwater comes from. Knowing the local water sources helps you read warnings. Novato is shaped by Novato Creek and its tributaries, and low areas near the bay edge on the east side.
Low ground and runoff. Elevation and slope determine whether water arrives as a flood or as runoff. Novato spans a broad valley with flat neighborhoods near Highway 101 and Novato Creek, rising to oak-covered hills on the west and north.
Conditions vary a lot from street to street in Novato, so a provider should assess your specific home.
What to do right now
- Follow AlertMarin and official instructions, and leave early if told to.
- Don't walk or drive through floodwater.
- Once it's safe, turn off power to flooded areas, or have an electrician do it.
- Photograph water levels and damage before cleanup.
- Call your insurer (flood policy if you have one) and a restoration provider.
Want a local pro to take a look?It's free for homeowners and there's no obligation.
Novato checklist
- Check FEMA flood maps for your address and consider flood insurance.
- Sign up for AlertMarin.
- Keep important documents and valuables off lower floors.
- Ask your agent about flood insurance before you need it.
How a provider handles it
Providers extract water and mud, remove porous materials the floodwater touched, clean and disinfect, and dry the structure with documented readings before rebuilding. For the full picture, read our complete guide and the deep dive on categories and classes of water. We also have a storm-season article on creek flooding and your home.
Before you hire anyone, check the license on the CSLB website. Here's how we vet providers.
Nearby towns and more for Novato
- Water Damage in Novato: our full local page
- Storm and flood damage service
- Burst pipe water damage in Novato
- Crawlspace flooding in Novato
- Sewage backup cleanup in Novato
- Appliance and water heater leaks in Novato
- Same problem nearby: storm flooding in San Rafael, storm flooding in Stinson Beach and West Marin, storm flooding in San Anselmo
Frequently asked questions
Does homeowners insurance cover flooding?
Standard policies typically exclude flood. Flood insurance through the NFIP or private insurers may apply.
Is floodwater dangerous?
Floodwater is treated as contaminated. Wear boots and gloves and follow CDC guidance.