Urgent Atmospheric River Storm Hits Bay Area Tonight with High Winds

UPDATE: A powerful atmospheric river storm is rapidly approaching the Bay Area, with anticipated arrival tonight. The National Weather Service (NWS) has confirmed that this storm, classified as “moderate scale,” will bring heavy rain, strong winds, and the potential for thunder and lightning.

The storm is expected to touch down around 10 p.m. Wednesday and linger for approximately 24 hours. Meteorologist Rick Canepa noted that the storm center is developing just northwest of San Francisco, with intense barometric pressure falls indicating rapid strengthening. “It’s deepening quickly,” Canepa stated, highlighting the storm’s potential impact.

Residents in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, and Santa Cruz counties should brace for southerly winds reaching 15 to 25 mph, with gusts potentially surging to 50 mph. In the hills of Sonoma and Napa counties, gusts could escalate to a staggering 60 mph.

A high-wind warning has been issued for the North Bay, while a wind advisory will cover the rest of the region, effective from 10 p.m. Wednesday until 10 a.m. Thursday. The rain accompanying this storm is forecasted to be heavy, with many areas facing a 50% chance of receiving at least 1 inch of rain. However, regions in the Santa Clara Valley, such as San Jose, could see their chances drop to 20% due to the rain shadow effect.

Notably, the North Bay, particularly above Santa Rosa, may experience significantly more rainfall, with nearly a 50% chance of exceeding 2 inches. Canepa warned that the storm’s slower movement could lead to prolonged rainfall into Thursday.

The Sierra Nevada will also feel the storm’s effects, with a winter storm advisory in effect above 8,000 feet from 1 a.m. Thursday to 7 a.m. Friday. Travelers should prepare for potential disruptions, as up to 4 inches of snow is expected in lower elevations and up to 6 inches at higher elevations. Wind gusts in the Tahoe area could reach 90 mph in the upper peaks.

As the storm develops, officials urge residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions. With conditions changing rapidly, this storm presents a serious weather event that could significantly impact daily life in the Bay Area.

Stay tuned for further updates as this storm unfolds, and be prepared for potential power outages, road closures, and hazardous travel conditions.