Storm and flood damage in Stinson Beach and West Marin, 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 Stinson Beach and West Marin, what to do, and how to get connected with an independent, licensed local provider.
Storm and flood damage in Stinson Beach and West Marin: what we see
In West Marin, coastal storms, high tides and creeks can flood low-lying areas of Stinson Beach and Bolinas, and Highway 1 can close due to flooding or slides. Many homes are second homes that sit empty during storms.
The local picture
Where floodwater comes from. Knowing the local water sources helps you read warnings. Stinson Beach and West Marin is shaped by the Pacific coast, Bolinas Lagoon, Tomales Bay, Lagunitas Creek and Easkoot Creek, with coastal storms and high tides affecting low areas.
Low ground and runoff. Elevation and slope determine whether water arrives as a flood or as runoff. Stinson Beach and West Marin spans coastal flats and dunes at Stinson Beach, steep slopes along Highway 1, and rolling ranchland and wooded ridges inland.
Conditions vary a lot from street to street in Stinson Beach and West Marin, 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.
Stinson Beach and West Marin checklist
- Have a local contact who can check your property and report damage.
- Sign up for AlertMarin.
- Look up your address on FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
- 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 Stinson Beach and West Marin
- Water Damage in Stinson Beach and West Marin: our full local page
- Storm and flood damage service
- Burst pipe water damage in Stinson Beach and West Marin
- Crawlspace flooding in Stinson Beach and West Marin
- Same problem nearby: storm flooding in Mill Valley, storm flooding in Fairfax, storm flooding in Novato
Frequently asked questions
Is Stinson Beach prone to flooding?
Low areas can be affected by coastal storms, high tides and Easkoot Creek. Watch NWS and AlertMarin notices.
Does homeowners insurance cover flooding?
Standard policies typically exclude flood; flood insurance through the NFIP or private insurers may apply. See FloodSmart.gov.
Is floodwater dangerous?
Floodwater is treated as contaminated. Wear boots and gloves and follow CDC guidance.