Strongest Winds About to Hit San Carlos as 'Potent Storm' Makes Way Through Region

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA – A wet and windy storm that is making its way through the San Francisco Bay Area today was expected to cause the most severe impacts in the Peninsula region beginning around 1 p.m., national weather service forecasters say.

Winds from the south are expected to pick up between 1 p.m. and 10 p.m.

"Winds will be strongest over the higher elevations and along the immediate coastline with local gusts up to 50 mph," a weather service alert state. "These winds may cause trees and power lines to topple and make driving difficult for high profile vehicles."

• SEE ALSO: San Carlos Weather: Brace for 50 MPH Peninsula Wind Gusts, Heavy Rain, King Tides
• Snow Report for Peninsula Residents Headed to Tahoe: Dec. 14

Heavy rainfall is predicted to last into the evening hours, with new precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible per hour.

Officials warn that the rain surge could possibly overwhelm roadway drainage systems, and that debris flows may be possible.

Rainfall is expected to be particularly hazardous in areas of Santa Clara and Monterey counties where the Loma and Soberanes fires burned earlier this year. The weather service said heavy rain could result in an
increased threat of flash floods, debris flows and mudslides.

Image via Shutterstock