San Francisco, it’s time to grab your raincoat and maybe rethink those outdoor plans. Starting Wednesday night, Mother Nature is bringing in some serious rain, and it’s not playing around. The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch through Friday morning, and if you’ve ever seen how quickly our streets flood, you know why this matters. Let’s break it all down.
So, What’s Happening?
An atmospheric river (basically a river of moisture in the sky) is heading our way, and it’s aiming to drop buckets of rain over the Bay Area. By Wednesday night, we’ll start to feel it, but Thursday is when the skies will really open up. Think heavy, steady rain mixed with gusty winds that’ll turn umbrellas inside out. If you’re driving, expect slow traffic, puddles you can’t see the bottom of, and potential road closures.
Here’s Your Daily Breakdown
🌥️ Wednesday, Feb 12:
The day starts breezy and cloudy, but it’s mostly calm. Don’t be fooled by the quiet skies—it’s the calm before the storm. Highs around 55°F (13°C), dropping to 51°F (11°C) in the evening. You’ll probably feel the first sprinkles by bedtime.
🌧️ Thursday, Feb 13:
Here we go. Heavy rain takes over, and with wind gusts joining the party, driving will be no joke. Streets could flood fast, especially in areas with poor drainage. Highs will hit about 58°F (15°C), with lows around 50°F (10°C). This is a good day to work from home if you can—or at least leave the house early to avoid waterlogged commutes.
🌤️ Friday, Feb 14:
The worst of it should be over by morning, but don’t be surprised if showers stick around for part of the day. It’ll be a mix of clouds, sun, and scattered raindrops, with highs around 58°F (15°C) and lows dipping to 46°F (8°C). Things will gradually start drying out by evening.
Here’s What to Watch Out For:
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Flooded Streets and Low-Lying Areas:
San Francisco’s hills are beautiful, but let’s be real—they’re flood magnets. Roads in lower areas could turn into small rivers, especially during Thursday’s peak rain. Watch for standing water, and don’t assume your car can handle it. -
Landslides and Mudslides:
With the ground already soaked from previous rains, we’re at a higher risk for landslides, especially in hilly areas. If you live near a slope or steep terrain, stay alert for shifting ground or unusual cracks. -
Power Outages:
Strong winds and rain are the perfect combo for knocking down trees and power lines. Make sure your phone is charged and have flashlights ready just in case.
How to Stay Safe (and Dry):
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Check for Weather Updates: Things can change fast with storms like this, so don’t zone out. Keep an eye on weather apps or local news for real-time updates and any emergency alerts.
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Don’t Drive Through Flooded Roads: Seriously, don’t do it. Even a few inches of water can stall your car, or worse, sweep it away. It’s not worth it—turn around and find another way.
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Clear Your Gutters and Drains: Take a few minutes to check that rainwater can flow away from your home. Clear any leaves or debris from gutters and drains to avoid water damage.
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Pack an Emergency Kit: Be prepared for power outages or last-minute evacuations. Have water, snacks, flashlights, batteries, medications, and important documents ready. You’ll thank yourself later.
Why This Storm Is a Big Deal
It’s not just about the rain—we’ve had plenty of that already. The problem is the ground is saturated, meaning it can’t soak up much more water. That’s when you get flash floods, mudslides, and overflowing creeks. If you live in an area prone to flooding or landslides, this is your reminder to stay alert and be ready to act quickly if needed.
Look, we’ve been through rainy days before, but this storm could be a bit trickier with everything already soaked. Take it seriously, but don’t panic. Just plan ahead, stay aware, and help out any neighbors who might need it.
