Heavy Rain, High Winds & Dangerous Surf Ahead For The Peninsula

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — Emergency managers on the Peninsula are urging residents to use caution in the coming days amid forecasts for downpours, potential flooding and dangerous surf conditions.

Forecasters expect the incoming storm will unfurl over the Bay Area by Wednesday night. A flood watch will take effect at 10 p.m. and remain in place through Saturday evening.

Emergency management officials urge drivers to exercise extreme caution during the storm, particularly by driving slower and avoiding roads inundated with water.

"Fast-rising water can quickly turn deadly," said Ryan Reynolds of the Department of Emergency Management. "Two feet of water can sweep a car, truck, or SUV off the road. We can't stress this enough: Never drive into flooded areas. Turn around, don't drown."

A high surf warning will be in place along the entire coastline from 3 p.m. Thursday to 3 a.m. Saturday. The National Weather Service warns breaking waves could reach 45 feet on west-facing beaches, and up to 30 feet elsewhere.

"On a stormy day, the allure of big surf may be tempting, but please remember that winter storm tidal conditions can quickly turn dangerous and even deadly," said David Cosgrave of the Department of Emergency Management. "For both beachgoers and mariners, the ocean can be a powerful and unpredictable force."

The weather service forecasts up to 3 inches of rain in the Peninsula lowlands and up to 4 inches in the mountains. On the coast, the forecast calls for 35 to 45 mph winds, with gusts up to 80 mph possible. A high wind watch will be in effect from 10 p.m. Wednesday to 10 a.m. Friday.

Here are a few tips from emergency managers on navigating the storm in San Mateo County:

1. Drive safely: Exercise extreme caution while driving. Reduce speed, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and avoid flooded roads and downed power lines. Remember: Turn Around. Don’t Drown.
2. Make a communications plan: Start by writing down and carrying with you essential telephone numbers: family members, loved ones and neighbors, for instance. (If your smartphone’s battery dies, do you know the numbers off the top of your head?)
3. Sign up for SMC Alert: SMC Alert is San Mateo County’s primary alert and warning system that can contact you by text, email or phone. Alerts may include life safety, fire, weather, accidents involving utilities or roadways, evacuation directions or disaster notifications. Some cities or agencies operate their own alert systems. Search “emergency alerts (with your city or area).”
4. Prepare for power outages: If the power goes out, never heat your home with a camp stove, oven or charcoal-burning device. Ensure flashlights and battery-powered radios are accessible, along with a supply of fresh batteries. Charge mobile devices in advance and consider backup power solutions if possible. If you have a generator, remember to operate it outdoors and away from windows to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Here’s where to find the outage map for Pacific Gas & Electric and where to sign up for alerts.
5. Prepare an emergency supply kit. Your experience after an emergency can range from inconvenient to disastrous. Being prepared with the right supplies can make all the difference. You can add extras that match your family's needs. Here’s how to get started.
6. Know where to find sandbags and how to use them.
7. Never, ever turn your back on the ocean. “If you plan to witness the surf or be near the ocean, keep a safe distance from the shoreline and never turn your back on the ocean or approach cliffs/ eroding areas,” Cosgrave said. “Always check weather alerts and tidal forecasts, and never underestimate the power of the ocean, especially in a storm.”