Another Atmospheric River Takes Aim at Bay Area: Flood Watch and High Wind Warning in Effect
Just days after the Bay Area was soaked by an atmospheric river, another one is headed towards the region.
This time, first responders are already dealing with weather-related issues before the storm even hits.
Police in San Rafael reported that a landslide brought down trees onto power lines along part of Brett Hart Avenue, which resulted in a power outage in the neighborhood.
The street is closed in both directions, with no estimated time of reopening.
Although no homes are in immediate danger, this could be a sign of what’s to come.
Meteorologist Vienna Arana warns that the impact of the storm will be widespread.
Rainfall rates per hour and strong winds are expected to cause trees to come down, and mud and debris flow are possible.
The heaviest rain is set to move in overnight, and the gusty winds will blow at 40-50 miles per hour.
A high wind warning is in effect across the entire Bay Area, along with flood watches.
Concerns are particularly high for the Tuesday morning commute, during which the heaviest downpours are expected to occur between three and seven o’clock.
Crews are working to prevent a slide from damaging homes on Cooper Drive in Santa Rosa, and teams are also keeping an eye on dams at Lake Sonoma and Lake Mendocino to prevent flooding in downstream communities.
The Army Corps of Engineers say that only 20% of the watershed ends up in the lake, which is why a lot of the heavy rain comes with big dangers.
Residents are advised to prepare for the storm by securing loose items and clearing storm drains, as the storm will cause widespread impact.
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