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Thanks for taking the time to tune into the National Weather Service’s briefing on the
potential of significant rainfall the Bay Area on Saturday. I’m Logan Johnson.
An atmospheric river event is set to impact the California coast this weekend. With a
moisture source in the tropics near Hawaii – this will be a “Pineapple Express”
event. Tropical moisture will lead to signficant rainfall totals in the region this weekend.
This graphic shows expected rain through 4 PM Saturday afternoon. High spots in this
time will be 2 or more inches in the coastal mountains with 5 or more inches in the North
Bay mountains. Even the major urban areas around the Bay can expect rainfall totals
over an inch through Saturday afternoon. Since we have already had rain this week – there
will be greater impacts from this second storm. Here’s a look at the timing for rainfall
to begin on Friday. By early afternoon Friday – showers will start across the North Bay
and spread south into the major urban areas by Friday evening just in time for a wet rush
hour commute, and then into the Monterey Bay Area by late Friday. With all areas experiencing
rain by Friday night. Rain will continue off and on through Saturday and into Sunday.
As hard as it is to believe given the ongoing drought, we are concerned for the possibility
of flooding. Street and urban flooding will take place on Saturday, including the major
metro area. Look for sharp rises and minor flooding of small creeks and streams, with
the greatest threat being in the North Bay. There will even be the potential for flash
flooding especially in coastal mountains and more so in the North Bay. There is not expected
to be major flooding on large rivers – although there will be rises along them. If you’ve
not already done so, clear storm drains now to help reduce the threat. And monitor NOAA
Weather Radio, your favorite local media outlet, and the National Weather Service in Monterey
for further updates. Heavy Rainfall will also produce hazardous
driving conditions across the Bay Area on Saturday. Visibility will be reduced and roads
will be slick and occasionally flooded in spots. Slow down, and allow extra time to
reach your destination this Saturday. Keep your headlights on in the rain.
Even with the rain of Thursday, some localized rockfalls and mudslides were observed. This
will occur again on Saturday. Use caution if you are traveling in favored areas for
these events, which are especially prone in the rugged mountainous terrain. Be alert for
sudden changes in roadway conditions. So far we have detailed just the rainfall
through Saturday afternoon. There will be even more rainfall overnight Saturday and
into Sunday. Additional rainfall may be 2 to 4 inches in the highest spots which will
continue to be in the coastal North Bay mountains. Up to an additional inch of rain is possible
in low elevation including major urban areas. Thank you for tuning in to our weather briefing.
Please share your rainfall reports and look for updated info on our website or through
twitter at nwsbayarea. We will use hashtag bayarearain. You can also find us on facebook
by searching U.S. National Weather Service San Francisco.