Why is this Problem Worth Addressing?
Marin Power began with a simple observation:
- When water needs to be moved and the power to move it isn’t available, people can be left with very few options.
- Severe storms can create two serious problems at once—flooding and power outages.
- The October 2021 atmospheric-river storm made the problem impossible to ignore, in light of our current winter forecast.
- In 2026, we can help prevent 15 homes from flooding—potentially representing nearly $1 million in avoided losses while sparing families the serious consequences of flood damage. Read on to learn more..
Big Storm Expected in 2026
The 2026 winter storm forecast shows that Northern California is entering the storm season with unusually warm ocean conditions and a potentially powerful El Niño is expected to the impact Pacific Region of the U.S.
With a prolonged high-end atmospheric river in the forecast, significant rain and strong winds bring an increased risk of power outages. Homes that rely on sump pumps should test backup power before the storm arrives. The core of the storm season is expected between late October until February. In addition to a power outage and atmospheric river event, when that is combined with King Tides, it results in a particularly bad combo for Marin County. It is definitely a recipe for major damage and displacing occupants from their homes.
As part of this public service for residents of Marin County, I will send subscribers notices of major storms and king tide events so that you can reduce water usage and prepare your home.
News Coverage Gap on Opportunities to Prevent Damage
A historical a
analysis revealed that past news coverage focuses on big rivers of water, downed trees, closed freeways and seldom covers lessons learn to encourage improvement. We are going to attempt to improve that conversation in 2026.
Learning From October 2021
The October 2021 Northeast Pacific “bomb cyclone” and atmospheric river caused wide spread power outages, flooding and damage.—Mount Tamalpais received 16.55 inches of rain in about 48 hours, Kentfield received 12.29 inches, and Woodacre received 9.14 inches in about 24 hours. Power was also out a a local pumping facility for 26 hours, (Link Storm Stats)
This event was considered an AR 5 (Atmospheric River Category 5, which is the highest on a scale of 1-5)
Strong winds and fallen trees are to blame for taking out electricity for roughly 150,000 Pacific Gas & Electric customers around the Bay Area by early evening. The North Bay and Peninsula had it worst with more than 40,000 customers without power in those areas, respectively. Hospitals went on generators and residents were left to turn on flashlights and light candles.
This combination created a preventable vulnerability for homes dependent on electrically powered sump pumps.
To prepare and protect your home if it has a sump pump, please visit these links (Brief) (Detailed) We will provide more info on this topic as this website develops.
If we can demonstrate that a small network can provide meaningful help where it is appropriate, the knowledge gained could become useful far beyond the first pilot locations.
The resource is already here.
The need is already here.
Let’s connect the two.
[The Spark Behind the Story →]
[The Pilot Program →]
[Measuring Success →]