SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — Residents across the Bay Area are being urged to prepare for hazardous, damaging winds and potential flash flooding beginning Tuesday night and continuing through the Christmas holiday week.
According to AccuWeather and the National Weather Service, a High Wind Warning remains in effect along the coast, with a Wind Advisory for inland areas. A Flood Watch has also been issued through Friday evening, as multiple storm systems are expected to bring heavy rainfall and gusty winds across the region.
Strong Winds and Flash Flooding Expected
Forecasters warn that winds will strengthen rapidly Tuesday night, with damaging gusts continuing into Wednesday morning. Coastal areas could see gusts up to 60 mph, while interior valleys may experience 40–50 mph winds.
“These winds, combined with saturated soils, could bring down trees and power lines,” meteorologists said, cautioning that power outages and hazardous driving conditions are likely.
The main hazard, however, will come from high-intensity rainfall rates, which may lead to flash flooding in low-lying or poorly drained areas.
Second, More Impactful Storm System on the Way
While impacts from the initial storm system are expected to ease by late Wednesday morning, a second, potentially stronger storm is forecast to arrive by Wednesday night and persist through Friday.
This follow-up system will track north along the California coastline, bringing another round of strong winds—though slightly weaker than the first—and prolonged heavy rainfall to the Bay Area and Central Coast.
Meteorologists say the risk of excessive rainfall will be elevated, with urban flooding and rapid rises in small creeks and rivers, especially the Russian River and Napa River, becoming increasingly likely.
Travel and Power Disruptions Possible
Residents should anticipate road closures, debris flows, and delays due to heavy rain and fallen branches. Power companies are warning that additional outages could occur Wednesday night through Thursday as winds strengthen again.
Authorities urge drivers to avoid flooded roadways, secure outdoor items before the storm, and report downed power lines to utility providers.
Extended Forecast
After the back-to-back storm systems, conditions may briefly improve over the weekend, but meteorologists caution that soil saturation and high river levels could continue to pose hazards into early next week.
Highs across the Bay Area will remain in the upper 50s to low 60s, with overnight lows in the 40s. Residents can track live weather updates and radar imagery on ABC7’s Live Doppler 7 and the AccuWeather app. Stay with HonkNews.com for the latest weather alerts, flood warnings, and safety updates across Northern California.