This week’s inclement weather is giving the Bay Area a one-day reprieve, and it looks like the skies may clear in time for Christmas morning.
Tuesday morning saw some light rain in the Bay Area, and the persistently rainy weather was making flood fears worse. Due to minor flooding in places near Sonoma between Napa and Petaluma in south central Napa and Sonoma counties, the National Weather Service stated a flood alert was issued for sections of Sonoma County until 1:15 p.m. Tuesday.
KPIX First Alert Weather: Local conditions, warnings, and maps
In Sonoma County, a section of State Route 121 between Eighth Street East and State Route 116, close to Schellville, was blocked Tuesday morning due to flooding, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Images from satellites as of 12:30 PM: This Tuesday afternoon, post-frontal rain showers are still occurring over the area. We can see up to 0.20″ of rain where it falls. We anticipate that these showers will lessen this evening.Y2VkOPrWMU #CAwx#BayAreaWXpic.twitter.com
High surf, coastal flood concerns
The hazardous high surf and coastal flood conditions around the Northern California coast were the primary worries on Tuesday. Following a day of very high surf that pounded the coast, Tuesday was still predicted to see large waves of up to 35 feet. Three deaths on the Santa Cruz and Monterey counties’ coasts were attributed to the weather on Monday. Additionally, a section of the Santa Cruz Wharf Monday was wrecked by the heavy surf.
High surf and coastal flood advisories for the Northern California coast coincided with the incidents. A coastal flood warning for the Bay Area was in place until noon on Tuesday, according to the Weather Service, and a high surf warning was in effect until 6 p.m. on the same day.
Public safety organizations and forecasters have repeatedly advised people to avoid coastal areas because big waves have the potential to drag people from rocks, jetties, and beaches into the ocean.
The Weather Service warned of “significant shoreline erosion and potentially fatal swimming and surfing conditions.” “Sudden immersion in cold water can result in cold water shock even for the most experienced swimmers.”
Will there be rain on Christmas Day?
In its daily forecast discussion for the San Francisco Bay Area, the Weather Services stated that light rain and showers were falling throughout the Bay Area Tuesday morning and becoming more dispersed into the afternoon, with a decreasing likelihood of thunderstorms in the mix.
As the final remnants of the storm front move across the area, wind gusts will change from southerly to westerly and reach up to 30 mph. Showers will gradually stop as the day goes on, according to the Weather Service, and by Christmas Eve night, the outlook appears to be dry, at least for one day.
The forecast discussion stated that although Santa should remain dry, he might have to deal with some fog on Christmas morning, particularly in the valleys.
More rain this week
The rain is predicted to resume on Thursday and continue into the weekend after taking a break on Christmas Day. The Bay Area will have a couple of inches of rain due to a series of disturbances, according to the Weather Service, with the North Bay once more bearing the brunt of the storms.
By Sunday, there is a 10% risk that the Russian River near Guerneville would reach minor flood stage, and a 5% chance that it will reach moderate flood stage.
According to the Weather Service, the disturbed weather will also bring with it warmer-than-normal temperatures, bouts of fog, and gusty gusts.
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Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.