Powerful storm system moving into Bay Area, flash flood warning in effect for parts of North Bay
MILL VALLEY, Calif. (KGO) -- National Weather Service forecasters said rain is expected throughout the Bay Area this evening, with heavy rain expected to hit mostly in the North Bay.
Parts of the North Bay are expected to get 1.5 inches to 2.5 inches of rainfall, and higher elevations in the coastal ranges could get 2.25 inches to 3.5 inches. Other areas in the region are expected to get somewhat less in the next few days, between 0.75 to 1.5 inches.
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A high surf warning is in effect until 4 p.m. on Monday. A coastal flood warning is in effect from 4 p.m. today to 7 a.m. Monday.
Forecasters are warning that periods of heavy rain in the North Bay and higher coastal elevations could also lead to localized flooding of roadways. Flash flood warnings are in effect for some parts of the North Bay until 4 a.m. Monday.
Crews have already put out no parking signs at the Manzanita Park and Ride lot, which is prone to flooding that wipes out about half of the parking spaces.
There are some residents who tried to soak up the light rain today before the stronger storms hit. Soggy is how mountain bikers like to see the hillsides in Marin County. "The last four years has been just dry as a bone and so it's just really nice to see the creeks flowing," mountain biker Drew Landers said.
Seeing the spillway flow from Lake Lagunitas is reassuring even for young children. "Two months ago all this was dry and now it's like rivers instead of creeks like it normally is in the winter," hiker Ella Ryan said.
Reservoirs in the Marin watershed are three-quarters of the way full thanks to repeat rain storms. "It's coming and then stopping and allowing to soak in and then raining again and it's just been a nice rain," hiker Belle Marko said.
"It's my favorite time to hike in the drizzly rain and it's just gorgeous," hiker John Mackenzie said.
Morning drizzle is preceding heavier overnight storms. For residents living in low-lying areas sandbags are available at several Mill Valley locations.
Click here for a full list of where you can get sandbags.
Bay City News contributed to this story.
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