Rain, Wind and Lightning Hit Bay Area
Updated 6:44 PM PST, Tue, Mar 3, 2009
The National Weather Service has issued a flood advisory for portions of the Bay Area.
An urban and small stream flood advisory was issued at about 6:25 a.m. for the counties of Marin, Napa and Sonoma where heavy rainfall and run-off are expected.
There are also reports of lightning strikes in the North Bay, from Vallego to the Napa Valley. NBC Bay Area Meteorologist Craig Herrera says it's all due to a system sitting off the coast that is sending pieces of energy around the storm, like around a pinwheel, to the Bay Area Tuesday.
Wind is also making itself known with gusts up to 45 mph anticipated.
Herrera reported we will see prolonged periods of southerly winds from 15 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph through Tuesday afternoon. Herrera also said we had delays up to 1 hour and 30 minutes at SFO for arriving flights all Tuesday morning due to winds.
As of 6:30 a.m., the Golden Gate Bridge was experiencing wind gusts around 47 mph at mid span.
Rain and thunderstorms are expected throughout the Bay Area through Tuesday evening. Herrera said some of those showers will produce some localized heavy downpours and gusty winds in spots with small hail possible.
An official wind advisory expired Tuesday morning, but drivers wouldn't know the difference as they were forced to hold tight to the wheel as they drove to work this morning.
Herrera said the rain will turn to scattered showers on Wednesday.
The weather is delaying flights at San Francisco and Oakland international airports.
Flights to and from SFO are behind schedule by up to 90 minutes, airport duty manager Mike Towle said.
Some flights departing from the Oakland airport are delayed by about 20 minutes, spokeswoman Rosemary Barnes said around 11 a.m. Arrivals at that airport are on time, she said.
Mineta San Jose International Airport has not been affected by the weather, airport spokesman David Vossbrink said.
Travelers should anticipate delays throughout the day and are encouraged to check their itineraries online before heading to the airport.
Copyright Associated Press / NBC Bay Area
First Published: Mar 3, 2009 7:52 AM PST
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