Powerful Storm Bringing Heavy Rain, Winds To East Bay

EAST BAY, CA — Periods of heavy rain are expected starting this afternoon in the Bay Area as rain this morning intensifies and the possibility of debris flows in the North Bay wildfire burn scars increases, National Weather Service officials said. As of about 8 a.m., downtown San Francisco had received 0.76 inches of rain, Fremont had received 0.6 inches, Berkeley had received 0.81 inches and 0.6 inches has fallen in Santa Rosa.

A Flash Flood Watch has been issued for the North Bay mountains and valleys from noon today to late tonight, weather service officials said. A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that cause
flash flooding, which is very dangerous. North Bay residents are urged to be prepared to leave if a Flash Flood Warning is issued. A warning means flash flooding is occurring or imminent. Periods of heavy rain in the Bay Area are expected until tonight.

On Tuesday, widespread lighter rain is forecast. Winds will be strong and gusty by this afternoon, with peak winds forecast from late afternoon through tonight. Breezy conditions will remain through Tuesday.

This morning, flooding has become a problem for commuters. Six inches of water was reported on the off-ramp from northbound Interstate Highway 880 to 23rd Avenue in Oakland, according to the California Highway Patrol. Eight inches of water was blocking the off-ramp from northbound Highway 880 to Broadway in Oakland.

In San Francisco, the whole on-ramp from Sixth Street to Interstate Highway 280 is flooded, CHP officials said.

By Bay City News

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