Sonoma County Weather Forecasts...Ugh!

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — Widespread power outages that moved through Sonoma County on Monday continue this morning as atmospheric rivers release downpours across California, according to Pacific Gas & Electric reports.

Power was out for up to 1,500 PG&E customers at 7 a.m. in Sonoma, unincorporated Sonoma, Santa Rosa, and Windsor.

Over the weekend, heavy rains pelted the North Bay, causing minor flooding and power outages in Guerneville and surrounding areas.

Storms responsible for the outages will be letting up, giving residents a respite, but more is on the way, according to the National Weather Service, which continued flood watches for the Bay Area.

A National Weather Service flood watch continues for the North Bay until Friday evening.

In the meantime, light rain is expected to continue primarily across the North Bay today with scattered showers across the rest of the Bay Area and Central Coast, according to forecasts.

There is also a 10-15 percent chance of thunderstorms with this system late tonight, Monday, into early Wednesday morning, according to the forecasts.

Impacts will decrease by late Wednesday morning, but forecasters warned that a second, potentially stronger system will arrive late Wednesday and continue until Friday.

While widespread flooding concerns appear lower with tonight's system, forecasters warned that rain may still create ponds of water on the roadway and sharp rises in smaller streams and creeks, including Mark West Creek and San Lorenzo Creek. Drivers should avoid these water pools.

With strong winds and moderate to heavy rain, downed trees and power outages will happen, forecasters warned, especially along the coast. Residents should have multiple ways to receive warnings in the event of flooding or severe weather.

Life-threatening conditions will be developing across the waters today and a small craft advisory is in effect, forecasters warned. "Storm conditions will dominate the open Pacific waters while Gale conditions plague the bays," according to forecasts. Steep open ocean waves could reach up to 20 feet high under these winds. And, while a lull in winds will occur during the day Wednesday, strong gales and isolated storm conditions are expected again Wednesday night into Thursday morning.

Beaches are equally hazardous. The National Weather Service issued a beach hazard warning for the coast from 4 p.m. until 4 a.m. Wednesday. Expect blowing and drifting sand, and wind waves up to 20 feet. Coastal erosion will be a risk.

Forecasters warned the water rescues could be especially difficult because the drifting sand and increased sea spray reduce visibility.