Flooding Possible In Walnut Creek As Atmospheric River Inundates Area

WALNUT CREEK, CA —The National Weather Service issued a flood watch and a wind advisory for Walnut Creek and the East Bay from early Wednesday morning until early Thursday morning as an impactful atmospheric river brings heavy rain and gusty winds 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 majority of the day Wednesday will be rainy, wet, and windy, with 90 percent chance of rain in Walnut Creek during the day and a 100 percent chance at night. The East Bay is expected to see around 1.5-2 inches of rain, forecasters said.

Fresh sand and bags have been stocked at five locations in the City of Walnut Creek, the city said Tuesday. The sand and bags are free for residents and local businesses; bring a shovel to fill the bags and take only what is needed to help the city's resources go further.

Here are the sandbag sites:

• Lancaster Road across from Orchard Lane
• Heather Farm Park Community Center parking lot (North end)
• Larkey Park parking lot at 2771 Buena Vista Avenue
• Howe Homestead Park parking lot at 2950 Walnut Boulevard
• Rudgear Park parking lot

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."

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

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 Walnut Creek:

Wednesday
Rain, mainly after 10am. High near 61. Breezy, with a south wind 21 to 28 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Wednesday Night
Rain. Low around 48. South wind 9 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Thursday
Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce small hail and heavy rain. High near 59. West southwest wind 6 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday Night
Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 10pm, then rain likely after 10pm. Some of the storms could produce small hail and heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Southwest wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday
Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 56. 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, mainly before 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40.

Saturday
A chance of rain, mainly after 10am. Partly sunny, with a high near 55.

Saturday Night
A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41.

Sunday
Rain likely, mainly after 10am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 56.

Sunday Night
Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44.

Monday
Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 57.

Monday Night
Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43.

Tuesday
Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 56.