'Atmospheric River' Forecast To Drench Pinole, Hercules

PINOLE AND HERCULES, CA — By Sunday morning, rain will become heavy in the North Bay as the long-awaited atmospheric river takes aim at Northern California, drifting south through the Bay Area during the day Sunday, forecasters with the National Weather Service San Francisco Bay Area said in a special weather statement Thursday.

It is one of two storm systems expected to impact the East Bay, Bay Area and Central Coast through Monday, according to a special weather statement issued at 4:57 p.m. Thursday for East Bay valleys, East Bay hills and the Diablo Range.

The special weather statement applies to the East Bay cities and communities of Oakland, Fremont, Hayward, Daly City, Berkeley, Pinole, Hercules, Concord, Antioch, Livermore, Walnut Creek, Pleasanton, Pittsburg, San Ramon and Blackhawk.

Special Weather Statement

"Light rain is already falling in the North Bay and will continue overnight. A cold front will reach the North Bay after midnight and bring a band of rain through the Bay Area for the Friday morning commute.

"Inland locations that haven`t received much rain the last few days should expect to receive some light rainfall Friday morning. The morning commute will be adversely impacted with wet roadways. Slow down, use wipers and headlights and plan for extra time to reach your destination Friday morning.

"A brief break in the weather as dry weather returns Friday afternoon through Saturday afternoon. Use this window of time for any storm preparations.

"Light rain will start in the North Bay Saturday evening. By Sunday morning rain will become heavy in the North Bay as the long-awaited atmospheric river takes aim at Northern California. The band of heavy rain is then forecast to drift southward through the Bay Area during the day Sunday reaching the Santa Cruz Mountains by late afternoon.

"The heavy rain will then drift into the Central Coast by Sunday evening as precipitation begins to wind down across the greater Bay Area. Several inches of rainfall are forecast across the region with higher amounts in the hills. Now is the time to clear storm drains and gutters.

"In addition to heavy rain, a period of gusty winds will accompany the front on Sunday. Drought-stressed trees will be susceptible to toppling leading to possible power outages.

"Burn scars throughout the state will be prone to debris flows with likely significant impacts across the Sierra. Plan your travel accordingly. Rain will taper to showers by Monday."

7-Day Forecast For Pinole And Hercules

The following seven-day weather forecast is from the National Weather Service San Francisco Bay Area:

Thursday Night: Rain, mainly after 11pm. Steady temperature around 61. South southwest wind 8 to 13 mph increasing to 16 to 21 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 31 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Friday: Rain, mainly before 11am. Steady temperature around 60. West southwest wind 16 to 21 mph decreasing to 8 to 13 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Friday Night: Increasing clouds, with a low around 52. West southwest wind around 6 mph.

Saturday: A 50 percent chance of rain, mainly after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 61. Southwest wind 7 to 11 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Saturday Night: Rain. Low around 56. South wind 13 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Sunday: Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. High near 62. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between 2 and 3 inches possible.

Sunday Night: Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. Low around 54. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

Monday: Rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 60.

Monday Night: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52.

Tuesday: A chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 61.

Tuesday Night: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 68.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 52.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 69.