Flash flood warnings issued for several Bay Area counties as atmospheric river soaks region
Amid the relentless rain brought by an atmospheric river soaking Northern California, flash flood warnings were issued Friday afternoon in portions of the Bay Area where instances of flooding deemed "life-threatening" were occurring.
The National Weather Service issued a flash flood bulletin just before 3 p.m. for northwestern Alameda County and west central Contra Costa County after law enforcement reported the flooding. Friday rainfall in the area was between 0.7 and 1.2 inches with another 1 to 3 inches possible in the area.
The Weather Service said cities where flash flooding could occur included Oakland, Berkeley, Richmond, Alameda, San Pablo, El Cerrito, Albany, Pinole, Piedmont, Emeryville, Kensington, Rollingwood, El Sobrante, Tara Hills, East Richmond Heights, and Bayview-Montalvin.
"Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads," the bulletin said. "Most flood deaths occur in vehicles."
Earlier the Weather Service issued a bulletin at 12:43 p.m. for the city of San Francisco saying flash flooding was occurring in the city and warning people to move to higher ground from creeks and streams, highways, streets and underpasses. The flash flood warning was in effect until 3:45 p.m. and later downgraded to a flood warning.
At 2:00 p.m. another flash flood warning was issued for northwestern San Mateo County until 5 p.m. The Weather Service said some of the locations to experience flash flooding include Daly City, South San Francisco, San Bruno, Pacifica, Brisbane, Colma and Broadmoor.
The California Highway Patrol said the No. 4 and 5 lanes of northbound U.S. Highway 101 were blocked by flooding at the Interstate Highway 280 junction. In addition, northbound I-280 lanes No. 4 and 5 at John Daly Boulevard in Daly City were also blocked.
This is a breaking news update. More information to be added as available.