High-Wind Watch Issued As 'Atmospheric River' Moves In: East Bay

EAST BAY, CA — Very cold temperatures began the Black Friday rush in the East Bay, with overnight lows bottoming out in the upper 20s to around 30 in the valleys. Now, residents and travelers in the region can prepare for high winds as another storm front moves in.

A high-wind watch remains in effect from Saturday morning through late Sunday night in the East Bay interior valleys; the Santa Clara Valley, including San Jose; and the Coastal North Bay, including Point Reyes National Seashore, according to the National Weather Service.

Southeast winds 10 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph, are forecast.

The winds are part of the first "atmospheric river event" of the wet season that's set to begin affecting the area Saturday and into early next week, according to the NWS.

"Expect a long duration of strong winds and heavy rains arriving by midday Saturday and intensifying by the time the sun begins to set Saturday evening," the NWS advised. "Widespread impacts in the form of flooding, downed trees/power lines, mudslides and
poor travel conditions should be expected.

"Travel impacts will be exacerbated by the increased traffic from those returning home after the Thanksgiving holiday this weekend," the NWS said.

More wet weather is expected throughout most of next week for the East Bay.