San Francisco Bay Area, Calif. – Another powerful winter storm fueled by an atmospheric river is sweeping across the Bay Area and Central Coast, bringing heavy rain, damaging winds, and the potential for flooding and isolated tornadoes through Christmas Day. Forecasters say the system is the latest in a relentless series of storms that have already caused widespread damage and power outages across Northern and Central California.
Atmospheric River Storm Brings Renewed Threats
According to the National Weather Service, the storm system intensified overnight Wednesday and is expected to remain active into Thursday morning. Meteorologists warned that unsettled conditions could persist through Christmas Day and even into Friday, especially along the Central Coast, where severe wind gusts and brief tornadoes remain possible.
Forecasters noted that while earlier models focused on river flooding, the main concern has shifted to flash flooding caused by intense rainfall rates, particularly in urban areas, creeks, and low-lying neighborhoods.
Extreme Wind Gusts Recorded Across the Region
The storm delivered exceptionally strong winds, especially in elevated and exposed terrain. Overnight gusts reached alarming levels, including:
- 95 mph in parts of Marin County
- 93 mph in northeastern San Benito County
- Nearly 90 mph in Sonoma County
The main cold front pushed through the East Bay, South Bay, and Monterey Bay areas early Wednesday, triggering multiple reports of roadway flooding and hazardous travel conditions.
Flood Watch in Effect Through Friday Evening
A flood watch remains in effect across much of the Bay Area and Central Coast through Friday evening. With soils already saturated from earlier storms, even moderate additional rainfall could quickly lead to flooding.
Officials cautioned that the combination of rain and wind increases the likelihood of downed trees, mudslides, and power outages, particularly in areas with weakened root systems.
High Wind Warnings Issued for Coastal and Valley Areas
The incoming system prompted a renewed high wind warning for several regions, including:
- San Francisco and the Peninsula coast
- Coastal North Bay, including Point Reyes
- Northern Salinas Valley and Hollister Valley
- Carmel Valley and Monterey Bay
- Big Sur coast and surrounding uplands
While an earlier wind warning expired Wednesday morning, a second warning was scheduled from 8 p.m. Wednesday through 10 a.m. Thursday. During this period, sustained winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 65 mph are expected, especially near coastal headlands, ridges, and higher elevations.
A wind advisory also covers inland and lower-elevation communities not included in the high wind warning zone.
Power Outages and Infrastructure Impacts
The overnight storm left tens of thousands of customers without electricity, with crews from Pacific Gas and Electric working to restore service amid difficult conditions. Emergency officials urged residents to prepare for possible additional outages as winds strengthen again overnight.
Authorities emphasized the importance of having multiple ways to receive weather alerts, particularly in rural and coastal communities where conditions can deteriorate rapidly.
Thunderstorms and Tornado Risk Continue
There remains a slight chance of severe thunderstorms through Christmas Day, with risks extending into Friday. The Storm Prediction Center placed much of the region, including the Salinas Valley, Sonoma County valleys, and areas west of the Diablo Range, under a marginal risk for severe weather.
While tornadoes are rare in California, forecasters warned that brief, weak tornadoes cannot be ruled out during stronger storm cells.
Dangerous Marine and Beach Conditions Persist
Hazardous marine conditions are expected along the Pacific coast through Friday, creating dangerous situations for mariners and beachgoers. High surf, strong currents, and powerful waves may lead to coastal flooding and erosion in vulnerable areas.
Daytime temperatures will remain cool, with highs mostly in the 50s to low 60s, while blustery winds make conditions feel colder.
What to Expect Next
By the weekend, showers are expected to gradually taper off as colder air moves in behind the storm system. Early next week could bring overnight lows dipping into the mid- to upper 30s in inland valleys, with the possibility of additional storms as January approaches.
Conclusion
The Bay Area and Central Coast remain under significant weather threats as another atmospheric river-driven storm keeps rain, wind, and flooding risks elevated through Christmas Day. Officials urge residents to stay alert, avoid flooded roadways, and prepare for possible power disruptions as conditions continue to evolve.
If you are experiencing severe weather impacts in your area, share your experiences in the comments below.
