Bay Area Braces for Heavy Rain, Strong Winds, and King Tides With Flooding Threat

Bay Area Braces for Heavy Rain, Strong Winds, and King Tides With Flooding Threat

San Francisco Bay Area, CA – Parts of the Bay Area are preparing for another round of wet and hazardous weather as rain, strong winds, and unusually high King Tides combine to increase the risk of coastal and roadway flooding through the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

Weather officials have issued both wind advisories and coastal flood advisories for communities near the Pacific Coast and along the shoreline of the San Francisco Bay, warning residents to expect dangerous conditions in low-lying areas.

Wind Advisory Issued Across Much of the Bay Area

A wind advisory is in effect from 1 p.m. Friday through 1 p.m. Saturday for large portions of the region.

Forecasters expect southerly winds of 15 to 25 mph, with gusts reaching up to 50 mph in several areas, including:

  • North Bay Mountains
  • San Francisco
  • East Bay Hills
  • Pacific Coast
  • Monterey County
  • San Benito County

The National Weather Service warned that these gusty conditions could lead to downed trees, fallen power lines, and hazardous driving, particularly for high-profile vehicles and drivers on exposed roads.

Coastal Flood Advisory Through Sunday Afternoon

In addition to strong winds, a coastal flood advisory remains in effect through 2 p.m. Sunday for the Pacific Coast and San Francisco Bay shoreline.

Officials say up to two and a half feet of flooding above ground level is possible in low-lying coastal areas during peak high tides. Under this advisory, isolated road closures, flooding of parking lots, and water encroachment into properties near the shoreline are expected.

The risk is elevated due to King Tides, which are exceptionally high tides that occur a few times each year and can worsen flooding when combined with rainfall and storm surge.

Sausalito Waterfront Businesses Already Impacted

The combined effects of rain and King Tides were already evident Thursday morning in Sausalito, where Gate 5 Road near the waterfront flooded, sending water into nearby businesses.

Business owners spent much of the day bailing out water, drying carpets, and lifting furniture onto risers to prevent further damage.

Anson Tone, who works in an office near the waterfront, said his space filled with approximately three inches of water, surrounding valuable furniture.

“Tomorrow, if we get a lot more rain, I’m afraid the water may go over that wall here,” Tone said.

Scenes like this are expected to repeat in vulnerable shoreline communities as tides remain high through the weekend.

Fire Officials Monitoring Flood-Prone Areas

The Marin County Fire Department said crews will be on alert, closely monitoring low-lying areas with a history of flooding.

Bret McTigue, Battalion Chief for the Marin County Fire Department, urged residents to take the warnings seriously.

“When those gusty conditions come through, avoid the water. Don’t be walking or driving your vehicle through those low-lying areas,” McTigue said.

Fire officials expect the biggest impacts in:

  • Sausalito
  • Marin City
  • Dillon Beach
  • Stinson Beach

In addition to flooding, crews are preparing for downed trees and power lines, which could pose serious safety risks.

“If there is a tree down in the power lines, don’t try to handle it yourself. Make sure you notify your local authorities,” McTigue added.

Road Closures Reported in Mill Valley

Flooding also forced road closures in Mill Valley on Thursday morning.

Police shut down a section of Miller Avenue due to standing water, according to authorities. The closure affects Miller Avenue between Camino Alto and Almonte Boulevard, and drivers are being advised to use alternative routes until conditions improve.

Officials have not said when the road will reopen, as that will depend on rainfall totals and drainage conditions.

Rain Forecast Into the Weekend

Meteorologists say periods of rain will continue into the first weekend of 2026, adding to runoff concerns in already saturated areas.

Chief Meteorologist Jeff Ranieri said rainfall totals will vary by location, but even moderate additional rain could worsen flooding in coastal and hillside communities, especially during high tide cycles.

Residents near creeks, shorelines, and flood-prone roads are urged to stay informed as weather conditions evolve.

Safety Reminders for Residents

Authorities are emphasizing several key safety precautions:

  • Avoid driving through flooded roads, even if water appears shallow
  • Stay away from coastal edges during high tides and strong winds
  • Secure outdoor objects that could become airborne in gusty conditions
  • Report downed power lines or trees to local authorities immediately

Conclusion

With rain, strong winds, and King Tides converging, Bay Area residents face a challenging weather pattern that could lead to flooding, power disruptions, and road closures through the weekend. Officials continue to monitor conditions closely and urge the public to remain cautious, especially in coastal and low-lying areas.

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