San Francisco Bay Area Braces for “Atmospheric River”

San Francisco Bay Area Braces for “Atmospheric River”San Francisco Bay Area Braces for “Atmospheric River” The San Francisco Bay Area is bracing for an “atmospheric river,” a long, narrow band of water vapor in the atmosphere that can unleash torrential rainfall. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for the entire region from Tuesday through Thursday, with heavy precipitation expected to begin on Tuesday afternoon and continue through Wednesday. Atmospheric rivers are not uncommon in the Bay Area during the winter months, but this particular system is expected to be particularly strong. It is forecast to bring widespread rainfall of 3 to 5 inches, with some areas receiving up to 10 inches. The heaviest precipitation is anticipated in the North Bay and Santa Cruz Mountains. The rainfall could lead to flooding in low-lying areas, mudslides on hillsides, and closures of roads and bridges. Residents are urged to prepare for the storm by securing loose objects, cleaning out gutters and drains, and having an emergency kit ready. The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) has activated its Emergency Operations Center and is deploying additional staff to monitor the storm and respond to any emergencies. The SFPUC is also urging residents to conserve water during the storm to reduce the risk of flooding. The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) is also preparing for the storm. BART officials are closely monitoring the forecast and have extra crews on standby to respond to any disruptions. Passengers are advised to allow extra time for their commute during the storm. The San Francisco Bay Area has experienced numerous atmospheric rivers in recent years, including a devastating storm in February 2017 that caused widespread flooding and mudslides. The Bay Area has invested heavily in flood control infrastructure since then, but officials warn that even the best flood control measures cannot prevent all flooding. Residents are advised to stay informed about the storm by monitoring the National Weather Service website and local news sources. They should also be prepared to evacuate if flooding occurs in their area.