 Satellite image of the storm system that was responsible for the floods, taken on January 4 | |
| Cause | Heavy rains, high tide |
|---|---|
| Meteorological history | |
| Duration | January 3–5, 1982 |
| Flood | |
| Maximum rainfall | ~25 inches (640 mm) in the San Lorenzo Valley |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 33 |
| Injuries | ≥50 |
| Damage | $280 million (1982 USD) |
| Areas affected | San Francisco Bay Area |
| Houses destroyed | 231 |
In a three-day period on January 3–5, 1982, significant flooding occurred in the San Francisco Bay area due to a significant storm system which impacted the area. Widespread rainfall amounts of over 6 inches (150 mm) fell, triggering flooding, with portions of Marin County receiving up to 16 inches (410 mm) of rain and the San Lorenzo Valley receiving up to 25 inches (640 mm). Many homes and communities were isolated due to the flooding and landslides which took place across the Bay area, primarily in Santa Cruz and Marin counties. In the affected areas, thousands of evacuations were initiated, and phone service was unavailable for several days. Additionally, many people were unemployed after damaged businesses were inaccessible. As a result of the floods, 33 people were killed, and $280 million in damages occurred. Additionally, 150,000 people lost power in the region, and over 7,500 homes and businesses were damaged, with more than 250 destroyed. The event was considered one of the worst storms in the region's history.[1]
- ^ "Exactly 41 years ago, the Bay Area was hit by another deadly storm". ABC 7 News. January 6, 2023. Archived from the original on December 23, 2023. Retrieved December 23, 2023.