Flooding Possible In RP, Cotati As Atmospheric River Inundates Area

ROHNERT PARK AND COTATI, CA —The National Weather Service issued a flood watch and a wind advisory for Rohnert Park, Cotati and the North Bay from early Wednesday morning until early Thursday morning as an impactful atmospheric river makes its way to the Bay Area.

Periods of moderate to heavy rainfall will bring the potential for moderate to rapid rises along area rivers, streams and creeks across the region.

"The incoming storm that will impact our region predominantly on Wednesday appears as an almost perfect comma shape, with the tail formed by the moisture plume, and the head spinning low out over the ocean," the weather service said. "The tail of this comma will befall our region beginning in the North Bay late tonight, bringing moderate to heavy rainfall there first."

The majority of the day Wednesday will be rainy, wet and windy, with a 100 percent chance of rain Wednesday in Rohnert Park and Cotati. The coastal mountains of the North Bay could see amounts up to about 5 inches, while lower elevations in the North Bay may see 3-4 inches, forecasters said.

A select few rivers in the region will see the potential to breach flood stage, namely the Russian River at Guerneville, forecasters said. As it stood Tuesday afternoon, the Russian River at Guerneville had about a 26 percent chance of reaching flood stage and a 58 percent chance of reaching monitor stage. Ensemble guidance shows a greater than 50 percent chance of reaching flood stage on numerous rivers and creeks across the North Bay, the weather service said.

• RELATED: Atmospheric River Set To Slam Bay Area, Fanning Flood Concerns

A flood watch means flooding is possible and that residents should monitor local forecasts and be alert for possible flood warnings.

"Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop," the weather service said. "Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Low-water crossings may be flooded. Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris."

Meanwhile, winds of 25-35 mph with gusts up to 45 mph could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result, the weather service said.

Here is the current seven-day weather forecast for Rohnert Park and Cotati:

Tuesday Night
Rain likely, mainly after 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52. Southeast wind 7 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Wednesday
Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. High near 57. Breezy, with a south southeast wind 22 to 29 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Wednesday Night
Rain before 11pm, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm between 11pm and 5am, then rain likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 5am. Some of the storms could produce small hail and heavy rain. Low around 46. South southeast wind 7 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Thursday
Rain. High near 56. South southeast wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Thursday Night
A 50 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. West southwest wind 3 to 5 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Friday
Rain likely, mainly after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 54. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Friday Night
A 30 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39.

Saturday
A chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 54.

Saturday Night
A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39.

Sunday
Rain likely, mainly after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 54.

Sunday Night
Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42.

Monday
Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 55.

Monday Night
Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41.

Tuesday
Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 55.