Flash Flood Watch: Heavy Rain, Possible Flooding In North Bay

NORTH BAY, CA – An atmospheric river-fueled storm will flow over the San Francisco Bay Area beginning Thursday, bringing heavy rain to the entire region.

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch from late Thursday night through Saturday morning for the North Bay coast, interior valleys and mountains, as well as the Santa Cruz mountains.

"A flash flood watch means there is a potential for flooding based on current forecasts," weather service officials warned the public on Thursday. "You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible flood warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop."

Forecast rain amounts will range from 2.50 to 3.50 inches in the North Bay valleys and from 4 to 6 inches in the North Bay and Santa Cruz mountains, with locally higher amounts in excess of 8 inches possible, according to the National Weather Service.

Roadway and small stream flooding is possible, as well as urban flooding in poorly drained areas, according to the National Weather Service. Mud and rock slides are also possible.

"Extreme rainfall rates over recent burn scars could potentially trigger flash flooding or mudslide/debris flows across and downstream from the burn scars," weather officials said.