San Francisco is bracing for a potent mix of high tides and stormy weather, prompting the National Weather Service (NWS) to issue coastal flooding warnings. According to the NWS San Francisco, a Coastal Flood Warning is in effect through Saturday afternoon along the San Francisco Bay Shoreline, with a possible 2.5 feet of inundation above ground level in vulnerable areas. The NWS also warns of a Coastal Flood Advisory for the Pacific Coast and Monterey Bay due to expected higher tides and storm surges.
Additionally, the area is set to experience strong southerly winds between Friday and Saturday, with gusts that could reach up to 50 mph. The NWS forecast discusses "a few scattered showers on radar," but the main event is the heavy rain and powerful winds slated to arrive tonight, which could lead to further damage and potential power outages. For residents on the coast and within the advisory areas, these conditions are not just a brief inconvenience but a serious safety concern.
Meanwhile, a peek beyond this weekend reveals an unsettled pattern, according to the Area Forecast Discussion by the NWS. The weather service expects daily rain showers to persist through Monday, and with cold fronts on their way, temperatures could plummet, hinting at possible snowflakes in the region's higher peaks later next week. While snow at these elevations is not uncommon, the rapidly dropping temperatures will likely catch residents off guard as they deal with the more immediate concerns of flooding and wind.
The wind and water aren't the only challenges facing the Bay Area; thunderstorms are also in the cards. The NWS San Francisco is forecasting a "decent chance for thunderstorms throughout the day Saturday," which elevates the potential for severe weather, including tornadoes, especially in the North and East Bay. The combination of adverse weather events has led to some areas of the coastal community being proactive, adhering to closure notices and bracing for the impacts of the king tides and storm surges. As coastal flooding poses risks to properties and infrastructure, residents should be prepared for possible evacuations and disruptions.
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