Gusty Winds Prompt Warning, Advisory For Rohnert Park, Cotati

ROHNERT PARK AND COTATI, CA — Gusty winds arrived in Rohnert Park, Cotati and the North Bay early Friday, prompting the National Weather Service San Francisco Bay Area to issue both a high wind warning and a wind advisory for the region.

Both the warning and advisory were expected to remain in place through 11 a.m. Saturday. Northerly winds of 20-35 mph are forecast, with gusts of 50-70 mph. The strongest winds are expected Friday night into Saturday morning.

The high wind warning is for the North Bay mountains and includes the communities of Angwin, Woodacre and Lagunitas-Forest Knolls.

"People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches," the warning states. "If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive."

The wind advisory is for Coastal North Bay, including Point Reyes National Seashore, and the North Bay interior valleys, including the cities of Tamalpais-Homestead, Sausalito, Santa Rosa, South Santa Rosa, Napa, San Rafael, Petaluma, Novato, Rohnert Park, Cotati and Healdsburg.

"It is advisable to secure loose outdoor objects and structures now!" the weather service said Friday morning. "These winds will have the strength to possibly blow down tree limbs, resulting in power outages, and make for difficult driving conditions for high-profile vehicles."