Kari Hall

‘Atmospheric River': Incoming Bay Area Storm Prompts Warnings About Flash Floods and High Winds

A Flash Flood Watch is in effect from 3 p.m. Wednesday to 3 a.m. Thursday for much of the Bay Area, while a High Wind Warning is in effect from 1 p.m. Wednesday to 3 a.m. Thursday in coastal areas and higher elevations that could see gusts of 50-60 mph

The National Weather Service has issued warnings about flash floods and high winds in the Bay Area starting Wednesday morning as a major storm bears down on the region.

A Flash Flood Watch is in effect from 3 p.m. Wednesday to 3 a.m. Thursday for much of the Bay Area, while a High Wind Warning is in effect from 1 p.m. Wednesday to 3 a.m. Thursday in coastal areas and higher elevations that could see gusts of 50-60 mph, according to the weather service.

The North Bay mountains and Santa Cruz mountains are expected to get the brunt of the impact from the storm, with more than 3 inches of rain possible, forecaster Steve Anderson said.

If Wednesday’s storm is as strong as it’s expected to be, rain could flood many businesses, prompting staff members to properly prepare for the worst case scenario. Terry McSweeney reports.

There are particular concerns over flooding because of the rain that has already come through the region in recent days, according to Anderson.

"When we already have wet ground from previous days' rain, any more rain can't soak into the ground and runs off, and that's when it causes problems," he said.

Showers are expected to linger in the Bay Area on Thursday after the most severe weather passes through the region, according to the weather service.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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