This story was updated with additional information.
The National Weather Service has said to expect this week’s storms to continue and with dropping temperatures, snow could fall as low as 1,500 feet.
East Bay cities expected to experience flooding include Oakland, Richmond and Berkeley. Water levels could rise up to 1.2 feet above the ground in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways, the NWS said, flooding public areas such as parking lots, parks and roads, though only isolated road closures are expected.
“We’re seeing reports of minor flooding, small hail, and additional landslides/rocks/mud on roads,” the weather service said Tuesday afternoon. “We had a few reports of minor wind damage with gusts up to 60 mph.”
Residents are advised to set aside extra time for travel and to avoid driving around barricades or through water of unknown depth.
The city of Richmond posted on its Facebook page that warning signs have been posted at known flooding hot spots, and public works crews are ready to respond if needed.
Airport travel could also be impacted, with a weather warning in effect until 8 p.m. Tuesday evening for San Francisco International Airport, where “cloud to ground lightning” is possible along with wind gusts up to 40 mph.
There is also a small craft advisory in effect until 3 a.m. Wednesday, including on San Pablo Bay.
Sandbag fill locations
Richmond has two self-fill sandbag locations for residents:
The back gate of the corporation yard on Harbour Way at the Richmond Greenway; and
The Bayview Library parking lot, 5100 Hartnett Ave.
To report flooding or for more information or to get help with sandbags, contact Public Works, 510-231-3011, or the city manager’s office, 510-620-6512,or visit www.richmondca.gov.
In the past 24 hours, according to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, Richmond has received 1.3 inches of rain, Oakland .73 inches and Berkeley has received 1.3 inches.
Tuesday’s rain was part of a continuing powerful winter storm carrying treacherous thunderstorms, high winds and heavy snow in mountain areas. The deluge is expected to continue, with Thursday getting the brunt of the precipitation.
What’s in store for the upcoming cold, wet, windy week
According to the weather service’s Tuesday afternoon storm update, a robust cold front is positioned squarely in the Bay Area and headed to the Central Coast. The worst is still to come, including heavy rain, gusty winds and embedded thunderstorms.
In terms of snow, always of interest among residents of a region that normally doesn’t get any of the white stuff, snow levels didn’t come as low as expected on Tuesday but snow levels could be as low as 1,500 feet over the North Bay later in the week.
Temperatures Tuesday night, mixed with damp conditions, will feel colder, with an overnight low of 43 degrees in Richmond.
Black ice could also be an issue for areas that received rain today if temps are
“flirting around freezing.”
Thursday and Friday look like more of the same: moderate to heavy rain along with a chance of thunder and hail.
Friday morning will likely be the coldest day. Richmond temperatures could dip to near freezing, with a low of 37 degrees forecast for Friday morning.
Snow and spinouts in Sierra Nevada
The storm has wreaked havoc on roadways spanning from Sonoma County to the Sierra Nevada. Traffic was halted temporarily in both directions on I-80 near the Nevada state line due to spinouts and crashes, the California Department of Transportation reported.
Forecasters said the western slope of the Sierra Nevada, northern Shasta County — including portions of Interstate 5 — and parts of the state’s Coast Range could see up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) of snow before the storm moves through late Wednesday. The heavy snow, wind and low visibility could also make travel conditions dangerous to near impossible, forecasters added.
“It has seemed ‘springlike’ for a large part of 2026, but winter is set to show it’s not quite done yet,” the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office said in a social media post urging residents to stay aware of the storm.
California’s Office of Emergency Services said it was placing fire and rescue personnel and resources in areas most at risk for flooding, mud and debris flows.
The latest storm comes amid a snow drought across much of the American West, with snow cover and depth measuring at the lowest levels scientists have seen in decades. Most states saw half their average precipitation or less in January, though California fared better than others due to heavy rains in December.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
