Another substantial storm to hit northern California
GILROY
Dreary skies and windy conditions will descend upon South County this weekend, bringing strong winds and up to two inches of rain in isolated areas.
A powerful Pacific storm is brewing off the coast of California and will break over the state tomorrow afternoon, lasting into the night. Southeast winds will pick up tomorrow morning, gaining strength throughout the day and becoming very strong and potentially damaging tomorrow night before dying down Sunday morning. The highest winds are expected to hit tomorrow night, with gusts up to 50 mph, said Meteorologist Charles Bell, with the National Weather Service in Monterey.
The weekend storm is the third in a series of storms that have loomed over northern California this week. After it passes Sunday evening, the weather will be “fairly quiet for a few days,” Bell said, followed by periods of sunshine breaking through Monday.
Although the NWS only forecasts about a tenth of an inch of rainfall by tomorrow afternoon, the storm could drop up to two inches at low elevations and up to four inches in the mountains before it passes. Rivers aren’t expected to flood, but Bell said that minor flooding along small streams and creeks is possible. Roads in low lying areas are also susceptible to flash floods, he said.
Along the coast, the NWS forecasts waves breaking up to 25 feet at the San Francisco and Monterey Bay coasts Sunday. In the mountains, heavy snow and strong winds will cause hazardous driving conditions over the passes. The Sierras will receive up to three feet of snow from the weekend storm and gusts up to 100 mph may cause whiteout conditions.
The Coast Guard urges boaters to remain in port and advises people to avoid the coast. The combination of high surf, gusting winds and dangerous waves will make for a dangerous day at the beach. Even as the storm subsides, the Coast Guard reminds boaters to remain vigilant as Monday will bring swells of 14 to 19 feet and winds from 12 to 23 mph over choppy waters.
“Recreational (boating) is not advisable for the next couple of days. Mariners who must get underway should tell someone where they are going, and make sure they have their required safety equipment such as life jackets for everyone on board and signal flares,” said Capt. Paul Gugg, commander of the San Francisco Coast Guard sector.
The Bay Area has received well more than it’s usual percentage of rainfall by this time of year, Bell said, with many cities at 110 to 120 percent of normal. Santa Clara Valley reservoirs are at about 63 percent capacity, an average of 124 percent of the seasonal average to date with the Chesbro, Coyote and Uvas reservoirs at 33.6, 54.1 and 55.7 percent capacity, respectively.
No reservoirs are expected to spill over from the storms and crews continue to inspect and mitigate trouble spots where trash and debris tend to accumulate. The Santa Clara Valley Water District also encourages residents to clear storm drains of leaves so that rainwater can flow properly.
With wet ground and heavy winds, the NWS expects power outages and suggests stocking up on candles, flashlights and bottled water.
Along with wind and rain, Gilroy will see highs in the upper 50s and lows in the upper 40s tomorrow. Similar weather on Sunday will give way to mostly sunny skies Monday with a high of 61.
