bay area storm

Bay Area Storm: Atmospheric River, Widespread Flood Warnings

Storm will bring moderate-to-heavy rain, resulting in the rapid rise of rivers, streams and creeks; flood warnings were expanded to include Sonoma, Alameda, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties

NBC Universal, Inc.

The series of storms rolling into the Bay Area continues with what is expected to be a stronger system.

An atmospheric river storm will bring moderate-to-heavy rain through Saturday, resulting in the rapid rise of rivers, streams and creeks, according to the National Weather Service, which has issued widespread flood warnings, advisories and watches across the region.

A strong storm rolled into the Bay Area overnight Saturday, with moderate to heavy rain that led to widespread flooding. Cinthia Pimentel reports.

Here's a look at the timeline of this weekend's storm

View the graphics below to get a sense of how the atmospheric river will roll through the Bay Area on Friday and Saturday.

NBC Bay Area
A look at how the storm will hit the Bay Area on Friday.
NBC Bay Area
Projected look at how the storm rolls into the Bay Area on Saturday.
NBC Bay Area
Here's how the storm is expected to pass through over the Bay Area on Saturday.

How long will the series of storms last?

The week’s first storm moved through the state late Monday through Tuesday, and the saturated soils did not get a chance to dry out before the rains returned. Wednesday served as a mostly dry day and break from the rain before the next wave of wet weather returned Thursday.

Higher rain rates per hour and gusty wind will increase by Friday afternoon into Saturday morning. Early Saturday should be the storm at peak intensity with localized flooding along creeks and streams. Roadway flooding is likely into midday Saturday.

We're expecting a break from the rain for New Year's Day on Sunday before more rain returns on Monday.

NBC Bay Area
Here's a look at what the storm may look like Saturday morning.

How much rain will the Bay Area get from this next wave of storms?

Check out the graphics below on rain estimates for Friday and Saturday.

NBC Bay Area
Here's a look at projected rainfall totals on Friday.
NBC Bay Area
Here's a look at projected rainfall totals on Saturday.

Widespread flood watches and flood warnings issued in Bay Area

The storm has prompted the National Weather Service to issue widespread flood watches in the Bay Area. Forecast shows high rain rates, with totals reaching several inches in the mountains. In addition, creeks and streams may see rapid rises.

The National Weather Service issued an area flood warning for Sonoma County until 10:30 a.m. Flood watches were upgraded to flood warnings in Alameda, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.

For more information visit NBC Bay Area's weather alerts page.

NBC Bay Area
Here's a look at a flood watch issued in the Bay Area.

Widespread Wind Advisories Issued in the Bay Area

The National Weather Service a wind advisory across the Bay Area until 10 a.m. gusts are expected to be between 35 to 50 mph in coastal and mountain areas.

For more information on the advisory, visit NBC Bay Area's weather alerts page.

Here's the look at the wind advisory.

Use interactive radar to track the storm

Contact Us