Bay Area Braces for Floods and Travel Disruptions as Atmospheric River Drenches Northern California

An early-morning warning was issued by the San Francisco-based National Weather Service regarding the ongoing atmospheric river that is soaking northern California. As the North Bay struggles with the most intense rains, Bay Area residents are facing a damp start to the day. “Rain chances will increase throughout the day for the service area as a cold front works its way across the Bay Area and north Central Coast,” reads the most recent forecast from the NWS San Francisco. The NWS warns that this front will bring widespread moderate to heavy rainfall along with an increased risk of flooding, landslides, and damage to infrastructure, including toppled trees and electricity lines.

Additionally, the NWS has issued a number of advisories, including a flood watch that is in force through late tonight for several Bay Area counties, high surf advisories along the coast, and wind advisories that are in effect until 10 PM PST this evening. “Power lines and trees may be downed by gusty winds, particularly in areas with saturated soils,” the National Weather Service stated.

It is not anticipated that the rainy weather will stop anytime soon. The NWS forecast says, “Wet weather continues through the weekend and into early next week,” as several rain fronts are expected to pass across the area. Following a cold front on Saturday, showers will persist, and on Sunday and Tuesday, there will be many rounds of rain. By midweek, a drying trend may provide some relief, but the forecast remains split on whether this respite will be short-lived.

The aviation industry is preparing for a “impactful day at all terminals” as the strong cold front moves through. “There will likely be a period of MVFR to IFR conditions this afternoon with the fropa,” reads the NWS aviation report, which warns of the possibility of MVFR to IFR circumstances and cautions pilots. Because of the strong gusts and steep waves caused by the unfavorable weather, gale warnings have been issued for a large portion of the coastal seas, thus mariners are also not out of the woods.

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