The National Weather Service in San Francisco issued an early morning warning about the persistent atmospheric river drenching northern California. Bay Area residents are facing a soggy start to their day as the North Bay reels under the heaviest rainfall. According to the NWS San Francisco's latest forecast, "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." With this front, the NWS cautions that we are in for widespread moderate to heavy rain and a heightened threat of flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage, particularly downed trees and power lines.
The NWS has also issued a series of advisories, including wind advisories in effect until 10 PM PST this evening, high surf advisories along the coast, and a flood watch that extends through late tonight for multiple Bay Area counties. "Gusty winds, especially where soils are saturated, may lead to downed trees and power lines," the National Weather Service explained.
The rainy conditions are not expected to let up anytime soon. "Wet weather continues through the weekend and into early next week," the NWS forecast states, as additional rain fronts are predicted to move across the region. Showers will linger post-cold front on Saturday, with multiple rounds of rain starting Sunday and stretching into Tuesday. By midweek, a drying trend may provide some relief, but the forecast remains split on whether this respite will be short-lived.
Meanwhile, the aviation sector braces for an "impactful day at all terminals" as the powerful cold front passes. The NWS aviation report indicates a likelihood of MVFR to IFR conditions and advises caution for those flying, stating, "There will likely be a period of MVFR to IFR conditions this afternoon with the fropa." Mariners aren't out of the woods either, as gale warnings have been extended for much of the coastal waters due to the strong winds and steep waves churned up by the adverse weather.
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