San Francisco is gearing up for a messy week as heavy rain, strong winds, and possible flooding threaten to disrupt daily life. Starting late Tuesday, February 11, a powerful storm system will move in, bringing soaking rain and gusty winds strong enough to down trees and power lines. If you’re out and about, be prepared—this could get intense.
When Will It Start and What Should You Expect?
Light rain will begin late Tuesday night, giving the city a gentle warning of what’s to come. But by Wednesday evening, the storm will crank up the intensity, delivering heavy downpours that will soak roads, flood low-lying areas, and cause slippery conditions. The storm will last into early Thursday before tapering off in the afternoon.
Rainfall amounts could lead to urban flooding, especially in areas with poor drainage, such as basements, underpasses, and sections of downtown. If you live in a flood-prone area, you’ll want to stay alert and have a plan to move to higher ground if needed.
Strong Winds Will Make Things Worse
The rain is just one part of the storm—gusty winds will make things even more dangerous. Expect wind speeds of up to 40 mph in the city and 60 mph in the hills and mountains. Winds this strong can bring down trees, damage power lines, and cause flying debris, putting homes, cars, and pedestrians at risk.
Power outages are likely in some areas, especially where trees and power lines are close to homes. City officials recommend charging your devices, gathering flashlights and backup batteries, and staying indoors when the winds are at their worst.
Travel Could Be a Nightmare
Commuters should brace for a rough ride. Flooded streets, reduced visibility, and fallen debris will make driving risky, especially during the Wednesday evening and Thursday morning commutes. If you can avoid driving, do it. Public transportation may experience delays or detours, so check for updates before heading out.
If you must drive, be cautious. Never drive through flooded streets—you can’t be sure how deep the water is, and even a few inches can stall your car or sweep it away. Stick to major roads where possible, as side streets and underpasses are more likely to flood.
Watch Out for Landslides
San Francisco’s surrounding hills and cliffs are prone to landslides, and heavy rain could loosen the soil, causing dangerous slides. If you live near a hillside or know of unstable slopes in your neighborhood, be on the lookout for signs of movement like cracks in the ground or leaning trees.
How You Can Stay Safe
- Stock Up on Essentials: Flashlights, batteries, bottled water, and non-perishable food are a must in case of power outages.
- Stay Indoors: Avoid being outside when the rain and winds are at their strongest, especially late Wednesday and early Thursday.
- Keep an Eye on Weather Alerts: Sign up for local notifications, and don’t ignore emergency warnings.
- Secure Outdoor Items: Bring in anything that could be blown around, like patio furniture, garbage bins, and decorations.
- Avoid Floodwaters: Never walk or drive through floodwaters. Just a few inches of fast-moving water can knock you off your feet or stall your vehicle.
What’s Next After the Storm?
The heavy rain will ease by Thursday afternoon, but that doesn’t mean the danger is over. Residual flooding and wet roads could linger, and standing water may take time to drain. Temperatures will stay cool, so any water left overnight could cause slick patches on roads and sidewalks. Cleanup crews will be working to clear fallen trees, restore power, and handle landslides if they occur.
Winds will gradually die down by Friday, but scattered showers could continue into the weekend, so don’t pack away your rain gear just yet.
A Quick Look at the Forecast:
- Tuesday, Feb. 11: Cloudy with light rain late. High: 53°F (12°C), Low: 44°F (7°C)
- Wednesday, Feb. 12: Rain increasing by evening, with gusty winds. High: 55°F (13°C), Low: 50°F (10°C)
- Thursday, Feb. 13: Heavy rain and strong winds in the morning, easing by afternoon. High: 58°F (15°C), Low: 50°F (10°C)
- Friday, Feb. 14: Scattered showers, breezy. High: 58°F (15°C), Low: 46°F (8°C)
Final Word: Take This Seriously
This storm could be disruptive, and it’s important to be prepared. Don’t take any chances driving through flooded streets, and make sure you’re ready for power outages and slippery conditions. Check in on your neighbors, especially the elderly or those who might need help during the storm.
