12 AM Update: While somewhat delayed, #AtmosphericRiver has arrived! Widespread rainfall expected through the night. T-Storms also possible. pic.twitter.com/76fxOlEMaU
— NWS Bay Area (@NWSBayArea) February 20, 2017
The current wave of storms we were all warned about Friday is causing even more trouble for a NorCal residents still reeling from the last wave of weather, as heavy rains overnight caused still more mudslides and floods in the Bay Area and beyond.
The National Weather Service calls all this [waves hand toward window] an atmospheric river, which makes sense because we all feel like we live inside a river now. KRON 4 reports that "the Bay Area is expected to see continuous rainfall for almost 24 hours starting early Monday morning," which means "heavy rain at times, flash flood watches and wind warnings." If that's not enough for you, "it is very likely trees and power lines will be coming down to go along with the rock and mudslides."
Did someone say mudslides? Indeed they did — not just in today's forecast, but over in Marin County, where a mudslide closed Sir Francis Drake Boulevard near Samuel P Taylor Park at around 5:30 this morning.
Sir Francis Drake Blvd is currently closed in both directions near Samuel P Taylor Park due to mudslide and large trees in the roadway. pic.twitter.com/FfHkPRn2h6
— Marin County Sheriff (@MarinSheriff) February 20, 2017
According to the Marin County Sheriff’s Department, "swift work by county DPW crews" got the road reopened by 7:15 or so.
101 near Redwood City was also closed this morning, as the left northbound lanes flooded between Woodside and Whipple, KRON 4 reports. This is actually an improvement from earlier, when "all of the northbound lanes were closed and traffic was being diverted off the highway near Marsh Road." It's advised that folks in the area avoid 101 if they can, and use 280 or El Camino Real instead.
Please avoid US-101 northbound if possible. #1 and #2 lanes closed between Woodside And Whipple! pic.twitter.com/oqqc7xpC37
— CHP RWC (@CHP_RedwoodCity) February 20, 2017
Breaking. Northbound 101 now open past woodside rd exit but lanes 1 &2 still closed. Flooding @kron4news pic.twitter.com/tH2A4X6SBg
— Will Tran (@KRON4WTran) February 20, 2017
The rains have also raised flood worries for the Coyote Creek near Edenvale Monday morning, as KRON 4 reports that "The creek is forecast to rise above flood stage late Monday night and will continue to rise near 11 feet overnight Monday." Flood stage for the creek is 10 feet.
Flood Warning for the Coyote Creek near Edenvale.
— NWS Bay Area (@NWSBayArea) February 20, 2017
* From this evening until further notice
* Minor Flooding is Forecast. #CAwx #CAflood pic.twitter.com/WtRMhg7vJ5
The high water levels are "a result of ongoing releases from Anderson Dam," ABC 7 reports. As previously reported Anderson Reservoir began spilling its banks Saturday morning, having reached over 100% capacity and triggered the use of a spillway that has sat dry for the last 11 years. According to San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo, areas where the creek channel narrows are likely to flood.
Other areas at risk for flooding, NBC Bay Area reports, are, well, pretty much everywhere:
A flood warning was already in effect for Solano County as of Sunday evening to go along with flood watches for the rest of the Bay Area's eight other counties.Sunday night and Monday's storm is expected dump anywhere from one to three inches of rain across the Bay Area. Coastal mountains are expected to receive the brunt of that moisture with some spots receiving three to six inches of rainfall.
This latest storm presents flooding concerns for areas already saturated by a wet winter. The San Lorenzo River near Felton, Alameda Creek along Niles Canyon Road and Coyote Creek near the San Jose neighborhood of Edenvale are all expected to reach flood stage by Monday afternoon. High flooding potential will also likely exist along the Uvas/Llagas Creek and San Francisquito Creek. Officials are also keeping a close eye on the Guadalupe River and creeks in the North Bay.
The high surf caused by the current storm has shuttered Pacifica's pier, which has been battered by 10 foot waves.
Needless to say, the weather conditions have been a massive problem for flights into and out of SFO, an airport that struggles with even minor precipitation. Travelers have been hit with wait times of around three hours, KRON 4 reports, with about 150 flights delayed. Travelers who attempted to get out of town for the long holiday weekend might be hit with even longer snags as they attempt to return — but given how crappy it is here, maybe they're better off staying at their vacation destination for just a bit longer.
Previously: Another Dam's Spillway Put In Use As Anderson Reservoir Fills In Morgan Hill