SAN FRANCISCO — A flood warning has been issued for the entire Bay Area, as unseasonably warm conditions give way to a powerful storm expected to dump heavy amounts of rain starting midweek.
In its update Monday afternoon, the National Weather Service announced weather conditions Flood watch The order is in effect in all nine Bay Area counties, along with Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties, from 4 a.m. Wednesday until 4 a.m. Friday.
Excessive runoff could lead to flooding of rivers, streams and other low-lying, flood-prone locations, officials said. Floods may also occur in urban areas with poor drainage.
Low water crossings may also be flooded, according to the weather service. Storm drains and ditches may be clogged with debris.
Wet weather is expected to begin Wednesday morning in the North Bay and continue until Thursday. Rainfall is expected to range from 1.5 to 3 inches in most areas, and 3 to 5 inches in the North Bay.
The greatest accumulation will be observed at higher elevations, with the tops of the North Bay likely to receive 6 to 8 inches and 4 to 6 inches in the Santa Cruz and Santa Lucia Mountains. Shallow landslides are also possible.
Bay Area residents, especially in flood-prone areas, should be prepared to take action if flooding occurs. Officials warn drivers not to drive through flooded crossings, not to turn around signs blocking flooded roads, and not to reverse.
Along with a flood watch, the weather service has issued a wind warning for coastal parts of the Bay Area and Central Coast, including the mountains of San Benito County, starting at 7 a.m. Wednesday. Strong southerly winds of 25 to 35 mph are expected, with gusts up to 50 mph.
People who live where Wind consultancy In effect it must secure external objects. Drivers are urged to be extra careful, especially if they are driving a high-profile vehicle.
A wind warning remains in effect until 4 a.m. Thursday.
Monday was a day of warm conditions in the Bay Area, with multiple high temperatures recorded. According to the weather service, cities that broke a record on this date include Santa Rosa (73 degrees), Kentfield (70), San Francisco (73), Oakland (71) and San Jose (74).
