The National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement in advance of a powerful storm expected to impact the Monterey and San Francisco Bay Areas, including San Benito County, from late Wednesday through Thursday night. The storm is expectged to push inland Wednesday night, with a heavy band of rain to shift from the north to the south into Thursday — hitting San Benito County around midday Thursday.
Rainfall will begin to taper off by Thursday night, but showers should continue into Friday evening. Rainfall totals from the storm are currently projected to range from 1 to 4 inches in urban areas and from 5 to 8 inches in the hills.
“Recent, significant rainfall has saturated the soils across the region,” the weather service said. “Heavy rain with this upcomign storm will, therefore, result in minor flooding of low-lying and poorly drained areas as well as rapid rises on area streams and creeks.”
If heavy rainfall persists, “more widespread and significant flooding will result,” said the statement, which also said heavy rain will result in mudslides and debris flows in areas of steep terrain.
In addition to the heavy rain, the storm is also forecase to produce strong and potentially damaging winds of up to 50 mph, with the strongest gusts expected from late Wednesday night through midday Thursday. Local wind gusts of up to 70 mph are possible near the coast and in the hills, which could result in toppled trees and downed power lines and widespread power outages.
The weather service also said that travel difficulties are likely due to slick roadways and flooding. Airport delays are predicted as well. Residents are encourged to secure lightweight outdoor items in advance of the storm to prevent them from being blown around by the strong winds.
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