As fierce winds and torrential rains batter the San Francisco Bay Area, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued multiple weather alerts for the region. Gusts reaching up to 50 mph have prompted a Wind Advisory for the Santa Lucia Mountains, remaining in effect until 7 PM today, with the strongest winds anticipated through the morning hours, as reported by the NWS Forecast.
Rain and thunderstorms have caused flooding in certain parts of Central and Northern California and are expected to continue into Wednesday. Accumulations north of Golden Gate could reach 0.5-1.0 inches, while the mountains south of the Golden Gate may see up to around 2 inches of rainfall, as advised by the NWS Bay Area's Flood Advisory. The Santa Lucia Mountains could experience even higher wind gusts likely to exceed 45 mph, according to a Coastal Flood Advisory.
In addition to wind-related advisories, a Special Marine Warning has been issued, which includes the coastal waters from Point Pinos to Point Piedras Blancas up to 60 nautical miles out until 7:30 AM PST today, due to the continuing severe weather conditions. This alert and further details on affected areas can be found via the NWS Bay Area's official X feed.
Flooding Caused By Excessive Rainfall Is Expected. Portions Of Central and Northern Cali. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/P0fHLnFcR3
— NWS Bay Area 🌉 (@NWSBayArea) December 20, 2023
Looking ahead, the rain is expected to taper off by Thursday, particularly south of the San Francisco Bay area as the system moves inland. However, a Special Weather Statement for Loma Mar, CA, remains effective until 7:45 AM PST today, cautioning against adverse weather conditions in the immediate future, per the NWS Bay Area X post. The approaching cold front is forecasted to bring cooler temperatures by the weekend, potentially down to the lower 30s in the interior, triggering concerns for possible frost and freeze impacts, as outlined by the Area Forecast Discussion.
Detailed forecasts indicate that today's highs could reach the low 60s, with rain expected to clear later in the evening. Thursday might see a 30 percent chance of rain before the skies clear up, signaling a stretch of mostly dry and sunny weather heading into the holiday week, in accordance with information from the Detailed Forecast.
