Atmospheric River To Hit Livermore This Weekend

LIVERMORE, CA — December is off to a chilly and blustery start this year in Northern California. More turbulent weather is anticipated this week, and residents can expect heavy rain, strong winds and thunderstorms over the weekend, the National Weather Service announced.

The first of two storms will hit Thursday before a more powerful atmospheric river arrives Friday to soak the weekend. Saturday will likely be the most intense day of the storm, and minor flooding could impact drivers, weather officials said.

In Danville, rain will likely continue through Sunday. The rain is likely to start Friday night after 10, with winds of up to 21 mph, according to the National Weather Service. On Saturday, winds are anticipated to reach 37 mph in the morning, with gusts of up to 41 mph. The National Weather has issued a Wind Advisory through Saturday. Thunderstorms are possible Saturday night, and showers will likely continue into Sunday afternoon.

On Friday morning, potential frost is expected in the North Bay and to the south in the inland areas of Monterey and San Benito counties.

“Some cold weather rain arrives yet again late this week into the weekend. Now's the time to make sure your gutters and storm drains are clear if you haven't already!” weather service officials tweeted.

Rainfall is expected between .5 and .75 inches in the North Bay, .2 to .5 inches in San Francisco and the rest of the Bay Area, and .1 to .25 in the Monterey Bay region through Friday, the weather service said. In the Santa Cruz Mountains, .5 to .75 inches are expected. One to 1.25 inches of rain is expected in the coastal mountains, officials said.

Rain is expected to pound the region on Saturday, with the North Bay forecast to get 2-2.5 inches of rain. San Francisco and the rest of the Bay Area will likely get 1-2 inches of rain.

Winds of around 35 to 45 mph are expected to whip through most communities Saturday, with gusts of up to 60 mph possible in higher elevations. Lighter rain is expected Sunday, with frigid and dry conditions to follow throughout next week.

Livermore businesses and residents can pick up free sand and bags at three locations. Bags are limited to six per household, and residents are asked to bring their own shovels.

• Maintenance Service Center - 3500 Robertson Park Road
• Fire Station 6 - 4550 East Avenue
• Fire Station 8 - 5750 Scenic Avenue

Pre-filled sandbags are also available at the Zone 7 Water Agency headquarters at 100 North Canyons Parkway. See here for all of the city’s flood management information and services.

The Alameda County Public Works Agency also has sandbags available at their Maintenance and Operations Corporation Yard at 4825 Gleason Drive.

Here are a few flood safety tips, courtesy of the CDC and the City of Dublin:

• Gathering at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food and water.
• Have immunization records handy.
• Check your emergency supplies.
• Bring in outdoor items or tie them securely.
• Keep your car fueled and cell phone charged.
• Avoid low-lying areas subject to flooding and don’t drive in flooded areas.
• Never drink flood water. During a water advisory, use only bottled, boiled, or treated water for drinking.
• Listen to boil advisories to know if water is safe for bathing and drinking.
• Use generators at least 20 feet from any doors, windows, or vents to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Clean debris from storm drains.
• Keep garbage cans and cars at least one foot from the curb to avoid blocking stormwater flows.