The Bay Area is bracing for a combination of severe weather conditions this week, with the National Weather Service in San Francisco issuing multiple warnings for a range of hazards, including severe thunderstorms, flooding, high winds, and dangerous marine conditions. According to an update from the NWS San Francisco, coastal areas are under a marginal risk of severe thunderstorms and a 2% probability of tornadoes for today. The public is advised to have multiple methods of receiving warnings and remain alert.
A Flood Watch is in effect, extending through 10 PM Friday for the North Bay and until the same time for the rest of the Bay Area and Central Coast, with the NWS forecasting 2-5 inches of rain in the valleys and 6-8 inches in the coastal mountains due to an atmospheric river. Rapid rises in creeks and streams, along with likely standing water in urban areas and on roads, are expected, leading the NWS to caution, "Turn around, don't drown!"
Beachgoers are warned to avoid the beach as the Beach Hazards Statement has been extended through 4 AM Friday for all Pacific Coast beaches, explaining that hazardous strong winds will create dangerous conditions, including blowing sand and wind waves up to 20 feet. Visibility is also a concern due to such conditions, with the NWS specifically advising against visiting the beaches.
Furthermore, the NWS advises that marine conditions will be extremely dangerous for mariners throughout the week, with Storm Force winds forecast across coastal waters and Gale Force winds over the San Francisco and Monterey Bays, beginning Tuesday morning. Even as the winds are expected to diminish to Gale Force by late Wednesday, the NWS cautions that marine conditions will remain hazardous through Friday.
In their area forecast discussion, the NWS noted that while the initial wave of hazardous winds will continue through the morning, a lull is expected during the day before strong winds resume tonight through Thursday. The risk of flash flooding due to high rain rates has prompted an ongoing Flood Watch. Additionally, "there is also a slight, but non-zero, chance for severe thunderstorms across much of the region today," according to the NWS discussion, which includes the potential for damaging wind gusts and tornadoes.
Cold temperatures are anticipated to follow the storm systems into the weekend, with a new set of High Wind products expected to be issued once the current warnings expire. For those in areas affected by the severe weather, preparation and caution remain crucial. The NWS reminds residents to have multiple ways to receive warnings, especially given the increased risk of power outages that could affect communication systems.
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