An atmospheric river is hitting Northern California, bringing a series of rainy days with storm impacts through the weekend.
The atmospheric river will bring heavy rain, flood risks and strong winds to the region, with the North Bay taking the brunt of the impacts.
TIMELINE: Here's what to expect as atmospheric river hits Bay Area
The focus of flooding will be on smaller streams, creeks and roads in the North Bay. Our rivers will be able to handle this first storm of the season and are not expected to flood.
Strong wind will bring trees down and isolated power outages across the Bay Area.
While wind and rain pound the Bay Area, heavy snow and strong wind gusts will make travel in the Sierra extremely difficult.
LIVE: Track rain in San Francisco Bay Area with Live Doppler 7
A Flood Watch has been issued for the North Bay starting 4 a.m. Wednesday.
According to ABC7 Meteorologist Drew Tuma, rainfall totals Wednesday into Thursday will range from 3" - 7" on the valley floor, 6" - 10" in higher elevations. Those living in flood-prone areas should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.
An atmospheric river storm is expected to arrive in the North Bay late Tuesday before spreading to the rest of the Bay Area later this week, likely bringing several inches of rain and wind gusts of up to 45-50 mph, according to the National Weather Service.
By the end of the week, many parts of the region are expected to receive about a month's worth of rain, with the North Bay forecast to receive up to 10 inches or more in some Sonoma County coastal mountain ranges, weather service meteorologist Dial Hoang said.
"At least for these first couple of days, the North Bay will really see the largest impacts from this system," Hoang said.
As a result of the stormy forecast, Fort Ross and Montgomery elementary schools, both located along the Sonoma Coast, announced they will be closed Wednesday, county education officials said.
Hoang said soil conditions in the Bay Area are somewhat dry because of the hot summer and this being the first big winter storm to hit the region, so that might mitigate flooding concerns somewhat.
"They might be able to soak up some of it initially, but it will saturate really quickly" and lead to flooding in some urban areas and along small streams and creeks, particularly in the North Bay, Hoang said.
Along with warning about the risk of flooding from the heavy rain, the weather service has also issued a Wind Advisory for most of the region that goes into effect at 10 p.m. Tuesday through 6 a.m. Thursday because of a risk of high winds that could lead to downed trees and branches and power outages.
Forecasters are saying there is also a chance of thunderstorms when a second round of rain rolls into the region on Friday and Saturday, and lingering showers are expected to last into early next week.
Across the Bay Area, residents and officials were prepping on Tuesday for the incoming atmospheric river.
The North Bay is expected to bear the brunt of the Atmospheric River. An inflatable dam in the Russian River near Forestville marks the start of the winter rainy season when forecasts show river flow increasing, and the dam is lowered.
A fishery team was also on-site to remove underwater cameras and lights to protect the gear from fast-moving waters.
The Russian River could peak at over 24 feet by the weekend, and residents of Guerneville know the drill with storm preps as many were clearing storm drains, filling sandbags and preparing for possible evacuations.
To the south, at the San Francisco Public Works Operations Yard, there was a steady stream of residents loading up their trunks with sandbags and preparing for the expected half inch of rainfall Wednesday.
About 12,000 sandbags are available to residents, with a 10-per-person limit.
Plenty of people were taking in the waves at the Pacifica Pier on Tuesday. The pier had been partially reopened after closing due to storm damage earlier this year. The Department of Public Works noted the pier may close again this weekend if the rough surf persists.
