A Series of Atmospheric River Storms Expected to Impact Northern California Over the Weekend
A series of atmospheric river storms are expected to impact Northern California over the weekend, raising the likelihood of making holiday plans for many travelers more complicated.
First Storm System to Bring Rain to the Bay Area
The first of the storm systems is expected to move into the Bay Area on Saturday morning, bringing about a quarter of an inch to a third of an inch of rain to San Francisco and Oakland, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Dial Hoang.
The North Bay valleys are expected to get around half an inch to three-quarters of an inch of rain while the mountains could record one and a half inches, Hoang said. San Jose and the inland portions of the East Bay could see a few hundredths of an inch.
Second Storm System to Bring Intense Rain
The storm is expected to last through Sunday before another storm brings “intense rain” to the region Monday and Tuesday, Hoang said. San Francisco and Oakland could get an additional inch and a half of rain while the North Bay valleys could get up to 3 inches in some areas.
“It’s going to be pretty messy, especially Monday and Tuesday if you’re trying to travel during those days,” Hoang said. “In the North Bay especially, we expect pretty intense rain, increased flooding concerns and possibility for damaging wind gusts, mainly at the coasts and higher elevations.”
Los Angeles County to See Light Rain
For Los Angeles County, there’s a shot of rain arriving on Christmas Eve but it doesn’t look like there will be significant rainfall, said National Weather Service forecaster Lisa Phillips in the Oxnard office. Some areas could get less than a tenth of an inch, with mountain regions expected to record higher amounts.
Phillips said that it doesn’t appear there will be any major travel impacts to consider in Los Angeles County.
Travel Projections
At the nation’s airports, the Transportation Security Administration announced that its staff is expect to screen nearly 40 million people from Dec. 19 through Jan. 2 — a 6.2% increase from a year ago, according to a social media post. The busiest days are expected to be Dec. 20, Dec. 27 and Dec. 30.
For road travelers, the American Automobile Assn. estimates that 119.3 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home between Dec. 21 and Jan. 1 using all modes of transportation, according to a news release. About 90% of travelers are expected to be driving to their destinations, with 107 million traveling by car, which is 2.5 million more than last year, according to the AAA.
Conclusion
With the holiday season approaching, travelers are advised to check the weather forecast before heading out and plan accordingly. The National Weather Service has issued a series of atmospheric river storms that are expected to impact Northern California over the weekend, bringing heavy rain and potential flooding to the region. Meanwhile, Los Angeles County is expected to see light rain, with no major travel impacts anticipated. Whether you’re flying or driving, it’s essential to stay informed and adjust your plans accordingly to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday season.
FAQs
Q: Will the storms affect my travel plans?
A: Yes, the storms are expected to impact Northern California, bringing heavy rain and potential flooding to the region. Travelers are advised to check the weather forecast before heading out and plan accordingly.
Q: Will the storms affect Los Angeles County?
A: No, the storms are not expected to have a significant impact on Los Angeles County. Light rain is expected to fall in the region, with no major travel impacts anticipated.
Q: How many people are expected to travel during the holiday season?
A: According to the American Automobile Assn., 119.3 million people are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home between Dec. 21 and Jan. 1 using all modes of transportation.
Q: What are the busiest travel days?
A: According to the Transportation Security Administration, the busiest travel days are expected to be Dec. 20, Dec. 27, and Dec. 30.
