UPDATES: Bay Area Christmas storm brings downed trees, power outages, road closures

The worst of the weather has yet to arrive in the Bay Area, but SFO is already feeling the impact Tuesday with hundreds of flight delays, primarily due to wind.

The worst of the weather has yet to arrive in the Bay Area, but SFO is already feeling the impact Tuesday.

Hundreds of flights have been delayed or canceled so far Tuesday. As of 11 a.m., around 225 flights have been delayed and airport officials say those delays have averaged around 25 minutes.

These stormy conditions have come at a time of year that's already extremely busy at the airport.

SFO expects to see around 150,000 people in and out of SFO on Tuesday alone.

Spokesperson Doug Yakel confirmed to ABC7 News that it's primarily the wind that's behind the ground delays Tuesday.

"Really what's driving it right now are the wind conditions at SFO," Yakel said. "So you always want to take off into the direction of the wind, and normally that's west-northwest. But today, these winds are coming out of the south. So essentially, what we've had to do is a 180 on how we're taking off and landing. We're in a far less efficient configuration today. That's really what's driving today's delays."

Yakel said that the delay program is expected to last the rest of the day.

So far, the delays are largely because of the wind, but Yakel said that more rain could also reduce visibility and cause even more delays.

The recommendation, as always, is to make sure you are subscribed to get notifications sent straight to your phone to stay on top of your flight's status.

Botanical Garden's Lightscape in Golden Gate Park is canceled Tuesday night due to the incoming strong storm, according to SF Rec and Park communications manager Daniel Montes.

Existing ticket holders are being refunded.

An atmospheric river has led to heavy rain and flooding through Northern California, leading to evacuations and rescues.

Heavy rain and flooding impacted Northern California over the weekend, leading to rescues and evacuations throughout the region.

In Placer County, emergency crews carefully and slowly rescued a baby in a carrier, sliding it on a ladder over a rushing river.

The raging South Yuba River overtook the home, where nine people were rescued by the Truckee Fire Protection District.

As of Monday morning, the Placer County Sheriff's Office said an evacuation warning continues to be in effect for areas along the South Yuba River between Donner Pass Road and Cisco Road.

Full story here.

Storm preparation continues with communities throughout the Bay Area, including in the East Bay, preparing for heavy rains.

Storm preparation continues with communities throughout the Bay Area, including in the East Bay, preparing for heavy rains.

Bay Area residents have about 24 hours to prepare for the storm that is projected to hit the region on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Public Work crews have been deployed throughout the city of Oakland City clearing storm drains and focusing their efforts on the most problematic areas. Some in flats, others in the hills where rockslides have been giving many a heads up of the reality of saturated land.

"We send out crews to prepare. Right now, they are out clearing storm drains and culverts, taking action to make sure we don't see any localize flooding on the streets," said Shamie Sahandy, Public Information Officer for Oakland Public Works.

Luz Pena: "What is different about this storm compared to other ones in the past?"

Shamie Sahandy: "It remains to be seen. We know that we are expecting a lot of rain and some wind. We weathered these storms in the past so doing everything we can to be ready."

In the Oakland Hills, sandbags are in place and plastic sheets are covering problematic areas on the hillside. Anthony Best got the first alerts this morning.

"Right in my notifications for a flood watch starting December 23 at 10 a.m. for all for San Francisco County," said Best.

He woke up to a leak in his kitchen and heavy downpour continued to hit this region.

"There has been quite a bit of rain over the past 2-3 days of so," said Best.

Luz Pena: "Are you concerned about more rain coming?"

Anthony Best: "I am now. Yeah, if you have a leak already. Get ready for holiday travel and things like that."

As more rain approaches, crews and residents are speeding up their efforts to get ahead of the storm

"Luckily, it's just showing clouds in my area for the next 24 hours or so, at least that gives us some time in theory to prepare," said Best.

Oakland residents can get up to 10 free sandbags and 20 feet of plastic to protect their property at the Public Works building at 7101 Edgewater Dr in Oakland.