New Atmospheric River Storm Expected To Arrive In Berkeley Overnight

BERKELEY, CA — Another Atmospheric River driven storm is expected to hit Berkeley in what the National Weather Service is calling a "direct threat to life and property."

The expectation of another round of heavy rains prompted the NWS to issue a region-wide flood watch scheduled to go into effect from 10 p.m. Monday to 4 a.m. Wednesday.

Widespread and potentially significant wind impacts are also expected for this storm. With wind gusts of up to 50 mph in the valleys and up to 60-70 mph in higher elevations expected, the agency also issued a High Wind Warning scheduled to go into effect from from 11 p.m. Monday to 5 a.m. Wednesday.

A bulletin issued by the agency Monday morning said that highly saturated soils paired with elevated river and streams levels made more water-related impacts a “sure bet," during the storm which is expected to bring "notable and potentially long-lasting impacts to our area."

The bulk of the rain is expected after 1 a.m. Tuesday morning.

In all, Berkeley should see between one and one and one-half inches of rain from Monday evening through Wednesday morning.

In addition to flooding, the potential for shallow landslides and debris flows will also increase with travel impacts likely to develop starting Monday night, the weather service said, adding that hazardous travel conditions are likely to exist into at least Wednesday and potentially beyond for some areas.

"Postpone travel if possible and remember to NEVER drive through flooded roadways," NWS said. "Turn around, don't drown!"

NWS said that while there was plenty more that could be written about the incoming atmospheric river from a meteorological perspective, "brevity" was probably for the best considering the widespread impacts expected.

"This is shaping up to be a significant system with the potential for wide-reaching and long-lasting impacts," NWS said. "Now is the time to prepare. Get gas for generators, clean storm drains and gutters, tie down or move loose objects inside. Make sure you have extra supplies, food, and necessary medications in case roads are closed or power outages last for several days. Pack a 'go bag' to help evacuate quickly if you live in a flood prone location. Avoid unnecessary travel and stay safe!"