Bay Area flood watch issued as rainfall hits North Bay
Rain soaks North Bay as series of storms approach
A flood watch is in effect for the entire Bay Area through late Sunday, and people in flood-prone areas should remain on alert. The North Bay is expected to bear the brunt of the incoming atmospheric river.
LARKSPUR, Calif. - The North Bay is expected to bear the brunt of the atmospheric river. It is the first of a series of rainstorms on the way.
A flood watch is in effect for the entire Bay Area through 10 p.m. Sunday.
Rain fell steadily Saturday throughout the North Bay - a welcome change for locals.
"I’m glad because I live in fire territory, so it makes me feel a little bit safer knowing that we have moisture on the ground and in the trees," said Patty Souza, a Larkspur resident.
The National Weather Service said there will be a marginal to slight risk of flooding in the North Bay this weekend.
Souza said she is always prepared.
"I stocked up on food and cleared the brush around my house and my rain gutters," she said.
Ahead of this winter storm system, Gov. Gavin Newsom said late this week the state is working closely with authorities to prepare resources, including staffing and storm drain clearing equipment.
Piper Park in Larkspur is one of two self-serve sandbag stations available to residents.
Nearby, Marin Country Mart saw Sausalito residents Erin and Reece Barbour taking it easy.
"We’re probably just going to stay indoors all day, watching some movies, maybe hang out, stay inside," Erin Barbour said.
"When a storm comes, we get out of power," Reece added.
PG&E said it is adding crews in areas where power outages are likely. The utility is concerned about downed trees and power lines. When the ground becomes saturated, even moderate winds can topple trees, causing widespread disruption.
After a significantly dry January, water officials are hopeful that this series of storms sweeping through Northern California will boost storage in the Sierra.
"I think it’s great, we need it," said Sheryl Bechet of Johnny Doughnuts. "Look at what happened to LA… We have a lot of greenery here and we want to make sure that we’re not going to be in that situation."
The Bochilo family from Mill Valley made the most of the storm, picking up donuts and visiting the local farmer's market.
"We’re always prepared for great weather, to go for a hike. We have our gear out and our boots to be outdoors and to make some soup to have friends over tonight," said Nickolay Bochilo.
The North Bay will likely see the greatest rainfall totals, with 1 to 2 inches of rain expected Saturday.
Significant rainfall is expected into much of next week.