URGENT UPDATE: California is bracing for two powerful storm systems that are set to unleash significant rainfall across the Bay Area, starting as early as Monday, September 25, 2023. The National Weather Service predicts the North Bay will be the hardest hit, with local forecasts indicating up to 1 inch of rain by the end of the week.
Meteorologists are warning that this marks the first widespread rainfall of the season, arriving weeks earlier than usual. Rain is expected to begin around 11 a.m. on Monday, intensifying into Monday night and continuing through Tuesday evening. Winds could gust up to 15 mph, prompting potential travel delays on bridges and coastal highways.
Nicole Sarment, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, explained the unusual early storms, stating, “Really, it boils down to an active Pacific Ocean. We’re looking at several low-pressure systems that pull moisture from different sources and develop stronger fronts.”
The storms are originating from the Gulf of Alaska and are predicted to affect the North Bay first, leading to localized flooding in some areas. In San Francisco, residents could face as much as half an inch of rain from both storm systems. Meanwhile, the East Bay is projected to receive approximately 0.25 inches, while inland areas might see around 0.1 inches.
As the Bay Area grapples with these impending storms, the region also experienced an air quality advisory over the weekend due to wildfire smoke from the Moon Complex in southwestern Oregon. However, the approaching rainfall is expected to improve air conditions significantly. Sarment noted, “Fortunately, with a weather pattern like this, the atmosphere becomes more turbulent, so we’re not going to see that smoke linger.”
Although there were early indications of possible thunderstorms, the likelihood has diminished to less than 15% over land as of Sunday. Showers are forecasted to continue until late Wednesday night, but skies should clear by Thursday morning, potentially concluding the stormy spell.
Residents are urged to stay informed and prepare for possible disruptions caused by the weather. With the storm systems developing so rapidly, it is crucial for the community to monitor updates from the National Weather Service and local news sources.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing situation, as the storm’s impact unfolds across California.
