The Bay Area is currently taking on a barrage of weather challenges, with the National Weather Service San Francisco detailing several warnings and advisories that paint a wet and windy picture for the region. According to the NWS San Francisco, today's forecast includes additional rainfall with expected accumulations of half an inch to two inches in the Bay Area and a quarter to a half an inch in Monterey Bay. They're cautioning about the possibility of flooding creeks, small streams, and roads, particularly in the North Bay, with the mantra "Turn Around, Don't Drown" being emphasized once more.
Amid these showers, a Coastal Flood Advisory has been issued due to higher tides expected to cause minor coastal flooding through Monday, and strong gusty winds have made a return, with High Wind Warnings in place for the coast and East Bay Hills, these warnings extend into Saturday morning. The NWS advises that winds could reach 30 to 40 miles per hour with gusts up to 55 miles per hour, which could blow around unsecured objects and may result in power outages from downed tree limbs.
Turning to the Area Forecast Discussion issued at 1:03 AM PST, we're looking at continuing severe weather conditions, including thunderstorms with gusty winds, which may be possible later this morning. The North Bay is under a flood watch through Sunday due to excessive rainfall, while high wind warnings and wind advisories are ongoing in several areas. Thunderstorms anticipated for the Bay Area and Central Coast could bring about severe wind gusts, adding to the weather chaos, with the last such Marginal Risk for the region was issued earlier this year in February.
While today's highs will stay in the relatively cooler temperatures, ranging from the upper 50s to lower 60s in lower elevations and lower to middle 50s in the mountains, weather concerns aren't fading away with the likelihood of flooding persisting as creeks and rivers swell with the relentless rainfall. The respite may come Sunday, with shorter ridging expected to bring a break in the rain and lighter winds. However, another system follows close behind late Sunday into Monday, signaling that the Bay may not be out of choppy waters yet.
The NWS has also issued a Marine forecast predicting storm-force gusts up to 55 kt, with hazardous conditions prevailing through early Sunday. Beachgoers are urged to exercise caution near the coast, as there are multiple hazards, including a High Surf Advisory with breaking waves of up to 22 feet in effect.
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