Beginning on Tuesday night, January 3, severe rain is expected to douse the San Francisco Bay Area with unprecedented water levels throughout the week. Such massive rain comes just a few days following another immense storm that flooded many highways and streets across the Bay Area, signifying a record-breaking wet winter due to a rapid bomb cyclone coinciding with a "pineapple express" atmospheric river.
These intense conditions are expected to invite high winds and a rapid drop of temperature and air pressure, with the zenith occuring Wednesday morning and afternoon in what The National Weather Service described as "the most impactful system on a widespread scale that this meteorologist has seen in a long time."
To ensure you're prepared for this sudden Level 5 influx, here is our guide on the proper steps to enact.
See also: All The Coziest And Most Delightful Coffee Shops In San Francisco For a Rainy Day
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It is first imperative to know when exactly the largest bouts of rain will happen. There is set to be two distinct downpours on Wednesday, with the first being between 5-10am, and the second a few hours after from 2 to 8pm.
Between these long spans will be a reprieve, but within the onsets will be wind gusts from 50-70mph, a cold front, and possible power outages. The rain will also continue in a lighter fashion throughout Thursday and Friday.
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With such brisk wind, cold temperatures, and high risk of flooding, fortifying your home with sandbags from the hardware store is also crucial. Warnings issued in the North Bay recommended also remaining "in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows.”
Citizens should also avoid being outside for long periods of time, as well as being around trees and towering structures in case of falling debris. Be sure to also have an emergency kit with first aid, water, battery packs, and backups of important documents ready just in case.
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To find out where sandbags can be obtained, as well as traffic and road closer alerts, be sure to call 211. Your county websites and city social media posts are also tremendous resources for being updated live.
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It is highly recommended to stay off the road, but if needed, do not drive in water more than 6 inches deep and turn back if truly hazardous. Take your car off of cruise control, go slower, and be on higher alert than usual.
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“While we are still recovering, cleaning out storm drains and working really hard to get our city back on track, “ San Francisco Mayor London Breed elucidated on the city's efforts between the two storms. While rain is prosperous in California, this novel occurence could certainly prove disadvantageous and detrimental without the proper precautions and information.
Staying connected, alert, and fortified are simple, but significantly strategic and beneficial steps to ensuring you and your loved ones ride out this wet winter week safely.
See also: Bay Area Wildfire Season Preparedness Guide
Photography by: Courtesy of Anadolu Agency / Contributor / Getty Images
