Bay Area storm: Latest updates on closures, flooding, power outages

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — A powerful storm is bearing down on the San Francisco Bay Area Wednesday. Wind warnings and watches are in effect with showers already over the North Bay and heavier rain on track for later, according to the National Weather Service.

Closures are in effect around the Bay Area and officials have been urging storm preparedness. Heavy rain and strong winds will bring the potential for minor flooding, downed trees and power outages, according to KRON4 Meteorologist John Shrable.

Here’s when the Bay Area rain storm will reach your city

Rain in the North Bay could impact the morning commute before the heaviest rain arrives around sunset. Follow our live blog for the latest on road closures, flooding, power outages, and other Bay Area storm updates.

Bay Area storm updates:

Wednesday, Jan. 31

7 p.m. — Road closure reported in San Bruno due to flooding

San Bruno Avenue is closed in both directions at Huntington Avenue due to flooding, police said. There is no estimated time of reopening yet.

6:23 p.m. — Flooding expected in North Bay and San Francisco

The National Weather Service issued a Flood Advisory for the North Bay and San Francisco. NWS said residents should be wary of minor flooding of highways, streets and underpasses, effective until 11 p.m. and 11:15 p.m., respectively, Wednesday.

6:15 p.m. — More power outages reported in Redwood City

There was a total of 4,893 customers without power as of Wednesday night, according to PG&E. Power is expected to be restored around 10:53 p.m. Wednesday, PG&E said.

4:15 p.m. — Redwood City power outage

There are 2,757 customers in Redwood City without power due to weather issues, according to PG&E. That makes a total of 5,503 customers without power across the South Bay and Peninsula.

3:20 p.m. — Storm preps underway in Pacifica

In Pacifica, businesses and locals are making preparations as the storm grows more intense. KRON4’s Tiffany Justice reports.

3:17 p.m. — Heavier rain begins falling in the North Bay

In the North Bay, rain has been getting progressively heavier throughout the day Wednesday, according to KRON4’s Charles Clifford.

2:46 p.m. — Vehicle accident on I-280 in San Mateo

A car crashed Wednesday afternoon in the area of the I-280 northbound and SR-92 eastbound intersection. The crash happened while it was raining, Cal Fire said.

No injuries were reported from this crash. Authorities urged drivers to slow down to prevent weather-related crashes. Video from the scene can be viewed below.

2:45 p.m. — Oakland Zoo extends closure

After announcing that it would be closed Wednesday due to the weather, the Oakland Zoo announced it would extend that closure to Thursday due to ongoing rain.

“If you had reservations to visit you will be automatically refunded,” the zoo said in a tweet Wednesday.

11:10 a.m. — Golden Gate Ferry cancels service to Angel Island

Ferry service to Angel Island is canceled Wednesday due to the weather, Golden Gate Ferry said on X.

San Francisco Bay Ferry posted to X with an update that no major impacts to that service’s schedule are expected Wednesday, but it is “monitoring the weather closely.”

10:50 a.m. — Tree falls on electric truck in Saratoga, injuring girl

A girl on Oak Place in Saratoga was rescued after a large tree fell around 8 a.m., according to Santa Clara County Fire. Engine 73 and Rescue 73 crews responded to reports of a trapped patient and were able to extricate the girl successfully. The girl was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The tree fell on a yellow electric Rivian truck, photos show, and took down power lines, authorities said.

9:47 a.m. — Shelters set up ahead of expected flooding in Bay Area

Shelters were set up for residents of the greater Bay Area ahead of expected severe weather conditions likely to cause flooding in the region starting Wednesday.

Due to these weather conditions, residents are urged to evacuate to the following sites if needed:

• Depot Park at 119 Center St. in Santa Cruz (until Friday)

• Veterans Memorial Hall at 215 E. Beach St. in Watsonville (until Friday)

• Homeless Services Center of Catholic Charities’ Caritas Center at 301 Sixth St., Suite 108 in Santa Rosa (until Friday)

• Roosevelt Community Center at 901 E. Santa Clara St. in San Jose (until Monday)

• Marin Health and Wellness Campus at 3240 Kerner Blvd. in San Rafael (until Thursday)

• Jack London Square Aquatic Center at 115 Embarcadero in Oakland (until Thursday)

• East Oakland Sports Center – 9161 Edes Ave. in Oakland (until Thursday)

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9:23 a.m. — Sonoma County announces school closures

Two schools in Sonoma County are closed Wednesday due to the storm. Kashia Elementary School in Stewarts Point and Sunridge Charter School in Sebastopol will both be completely closed Wednesday and Thursday, according to the Sonoma County Office of Education

9:20 a.m. — High winds batter parts of Bay Area

With wind warnings and watches already in effect, the NWS is reporting winds approaching 70 mph in some higher elevations and as high as 66 mph in low-lying areas like Pittsburg.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.