Power Outages, Downed Trees Likely Near South San Francisco Storm

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, CA — South San Francisco residents can expect bracing winds, landslides and power outages as a nasty storm system drenches the region this weekend. That's according to the National Weather Service and San Mateo County officials, who are are warning Peninsula residents that the strong storm will likely bring several hazards to the area.

Bay Area drivers should especially avoid the roads Saturday morning, when wind gusts could reach as high as 80 mph in Monterey Bay and up to 60 mph throughout the Bay Area, according to the National Weather Service.

A high wind warning is in effect from 3 p.m. Friday to 10 a.m. Saturday. The wind will topple trees and likely cause widespread power outages, meteorologist Drew Peterson said.

"Anyone trying to drive [Saturday] is probably going to have a pretty nasty drive, no matter where they're at," Peterson said.

The rain was expected to start Friday evening and continue through Saturday. A flash flood watch is in effect until Saturday morning.

As for South San Francisco in particular, here's what the NWS says you should expect for the coming days:

Friday Night
Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. Low around 54. Breezy, with a southeast wind 20 to 28 mph, with gusts as high as 39 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Saturday
Rain likely before 10am, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 10am. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58. Breezy, with a south southeast wind 22 to 28 mph, with gusts as high as 39 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Saturday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. South southeast wind 14 to 17 mph becoming west after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Sunday
A 50 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 56. West wind 18 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Sunday Night
A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. South wind around 17 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Monday
A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 51. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Monday Night
A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 40.

Tuesday
A slight chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 50.

Tuesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 39.

The showers should die down Sunday, making travel more manageable for those out and about for Super Bowl festivities. Landslides, rock slides and mudslides are a big concern, especially on Saturday. Some roads near the Santa Cruz Mountains and the East Bay Hills may have to close because of the debris, according to Peterson.

Landslides are also possible in the North Bay's wildfire burn scars, though Peterson said slow and steady rains may not have as big an impact there. Meteorologists will be watching the area closely.

Caltrans officials are worried about landslides along state Highway 1 and will close a 44-mile stretch of the road in Big Sur. The road will be closed between Deetjens and Ragged Point starting at 5 p.m. Friday. Officials anticipate reopening the road on Monday, though that depends on whether the road is damaged.

Boaters can expect choppy waves and dangerous conditions, and should avoid the water this weekend. A gale warning is in effect from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. today, and a storm warning is in effect overnight.

After the rain dies down, temperatures are expected to drop Monday and Tuesday. Lows will likely be in the mid-30s, causing problems for homeless people without shelter.

"That's cold enough for people to succumb to hypothermia," Peterson said.

Bay City News Service contributed to this report / Patch file photo by Renee Schiavone