Rain, wind having big impact across Bay Area
PACIFICA, Calif. (KGO) -- A coastal flood and high surf advisory are in effect on the Peninsula, with 16 foot waves expected in some parts as the Bay Area gets its first significant rain on the season.
WATCH LIVE: Track the rain with Live Doppler 7
There are warnings to stay away from the coastline as strong winds push bigger waves farther on shore. It's the beginning of a series of storms that will continue through the weekend.
The winds are measuring between 15 and 18 miles per hour, reaching as high as 25 miles an hour earlier this morning.
In spite of the wind and rain people still came out to get a look at the giant waves. It may be risky visiting Beach Boulevard with waves forecasted to reach 14 to 16 feet.
"I'm inside today. I'm keeping the kids inside. Keep them dry," said Suzanna Johnson of Pacifica, who works at a daycare.
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"I sell pumpkins and Christmas trees for Clancy's pumpkins and trees," said Alex Bonillas, who says he is stuck outside all day. "I do have a jacket."
By many accounts, Pacifica's coast line can't take much more of a beating. Parts of Esplanade Avenue are fragile after years of wear and tear from the ocean below. In fact, part of the cliffside came down onto the beach Thursday afternoon. In March, the crumbling hillside lead to the demolition of an entire apartment building.
MORE: Here's a look at some of the wettest spots around the Bay Area Friday morning
In the Oakland Hills workers cleared out storm drains clogged by leaves ahead of the storm. They raked up mounds of debris and cleared out gutter lines yesterday. The concern is that standing water can flood the city's narrow streets.
East Bay MUD is welcoming the rain. Their reservoirs are currently at 73 percent, but they could always use a little more. Meanwhile, over 10,000 customers are without power according to PG&E.
MORE: Amy Hollyfield tracks the rain in the North Bay
In Mill Valley, PG&E crews were busy trimming and removing trees away from power lines ahead of the storm. The utility says they try to make sure that tree limbs don't fall on lines.
Residents in Novato say they're ready for the first storm of the season. ABC7 News was there Thursday as several people were doing last-minute preparations to keep their homes and property dry. Some contractors were weatherproofing, repairing gutters, downspouts and metal siding.
Marin County is getting ready for its second annual Flood Preparedness Fair. Marin saw terrible flooding two years ago, when six inches of rain went into the Novato watershed in less than 48 hours. The county hopes to help educate the public about the risk of flood, even in a severe drought. The event will be held October 29 in San Rafael at the Hilton Embassy Suites from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
RELATED: The ABC7 News Storm Impact Scale explained
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Bay City News has contributed to this report.
