The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for West Central Contra Costa County and Northwestern Alameda County at 3 p.m. Friday until 6 p.m. A separate flood advisory remains in effect through 9 p.m.
Law enforcement agencies are reporting flash floods are occurring in the East Bay and Richmond, where 2.9 inches of rain has fallen in the past seven days. Anywhere from 1 to 3 additional inches of rain are possible by tomorrow.
The rain, driven by an atmospheric river, is bringing widespread moderate to heavy rain spreading southeast across the Bay Area and north Central Coast. Large waves and strong winds will lead to dangerous marine and beach conditions, and a small craft advisory for San Pablo Bay remains in effect until 3 p.m. Saturday.
Flash floods of small creeks, streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses can be expected as well as deep puddles of water on roadways. The flood warning includes Richmond, El Cerrito, Pinole, El Sobrante and East Richmond Heights.
Isolated flooding was reported Friday afternoon by Richmond’s city maintenance at the following locations:
- McLaughlin Street and Esmond Avenue
- 23rd Street and Garvin Avenue
- 23rd Street and Rheem Avenue
- Macdonald Avenue and the Interstate 80 westbound overpass
- Canal Boulevard
- Macdonald Avenue at 37th and 38th streets westbound
Richmond and unincorporated Contra Costa County storm help
- For Richmond flooding or sewer back-ups: Contact Veolia Water, 510-412-2001.
- For other Richmond public works issues, call 510-620-5509 (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.). After hours, call 911 or the Richmond police non-emergency line, 510-233-1214.
- Sandbag filling stations are set up at 10 Harbour Way, at the back gate to the city yard, and at 5100 Hartnett Ave. in the Bayview library branch parking lot.
- To report a clogged catch basin or drainage inlet in unincorporated Contra Costa County, visit the Public Works’ Customer Portal or call 925-313-7000 during business hours. After hours, contact Sheriff’s dispatch at 925-646-2441. You can also report service issues/storm damage and request services here.
Do you have pictures of flooding or storm damage or other related information to share with Richmondside? Let us know what’s happening via our news tips form or email hello@richmondside.org.
Heavy rain may lead to the flooding of low lying areas and roadways, which may cause them to not be passable. As the NWS says: “Don’t drown, turn around.” A flood advisory is also in effect for San Francisco and the Peninsula.
Gusty winds combined with the rain-soaked ground could lead to downed trees and power lines. Saturated grounds may also increase the risk of landslides.
A wind advisory is in effect for much of the region, with wind speeds expected to reach 15 to 30 mph with gusts of up to 40 to 50 mph at the coast and higher elevations.
Emergency agencies are advising against non-essential travel due to the possibility of life-threatening flooding, strong winds and snow at higher elevations.
There is one plus of all the moisture. It’s expected to squash fire concerns.
“It will definitely damper the fire season,” said Cindy Palmer, a NWS meteorologist. Palmer. “But we need to see how much we get after it.”
The “bomb cyclone,” a deep low pressure system churning about 300 miles off the coast of Washington, is responsible for the storm. It was followed by the atmospheric river, a continuous plume of ample moisture that began Wednesday morning and is continuing to produce “extreme” rainfall totals.
Residents and visitors traveling between northern California and Washington are advised to check road conditions and listen to advice from local officials.
Richmond storm resources
Richmond’s public works department shared the following advice:
- For flooding or sewer back-ups: Contact Veolia Water, 510-412-2001
- For other public works issues, call 510-620-5509 (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
- After hours call 911 or the Richmond police non-emergency line, 510-233-1214
The street maintenance department has two self-fill sandbag stations at the following locations:
- 10 Harbour Way at the back gate to the city yard
- 5100 Hartnett Ave. in the Bayview library branch parking lot
- The county also provides sandbags at the West County Detention Facility 5555 Giant Highway, open daily at all hours, on the south side of the parking area. (Bags are in large gray plastic trash bin.)
Richmond public works employees will deliver sandbags to senior or disabled citizens when requested by calling 510-620-5509. Sandbags are limited to 10 bags per address. During the storms staff members will be filling potholes and cleaning clogged drains throughout the city.
Richmond storm safety tips
We compiled advice from experts on how to stay safe before, during and after storms. Be sure to sign up with Contra Costa County Emergency Services to receive alerts.
Sources: Contra Costa County, National Weather Service, Ready.gov, PG&E, Caltrans
How do I prepare for a severe storm?
- Protect your home from flooding by clearing storm drains, cleaning gutters and downspouts before the storm arrives.
- Sandbags can redivert the flow of water and minimize damage. See above for sandbag self-serve sites.
- Prepare an emergency supply “go bag” with nonperishable food, any necessary medication, and sufficient water — one gallon of water per person each day. Learn how to assemble a go bag.
How do I prepare for potential power outages?
- Prepare portable phone battery packs and flashlights. Outdoor power generators can be a good option, especially for those with electricity-powered medical devices, but follow manufacturer instructions carefully to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- If a power outage occurs, call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 to report the outage and unplug most electrical appliances, leaving one lamp on to notify you when power is restored. Look up estimated restoration times on PG&E’s outage map.
- Keep your fridge and freezer doors closed. If you experience power outage-related food spoilage, file a PG&E claim.
- Read more tips for preparing for power outages.
Where do I find out about storms?
- Check the National Weather Service’s Bay Area website and Twitter account for up-to-the-minute weather information.
How do I report storm damage?
- Residents and businesses can call 311 to report storm-related issues “such as a clogged drain, culvert, inlet, or creek; a fallen tree or major limb; a malfunctioning traffic signal; or flooding that enters a travel lane.”
- After hours, call 510-981-6620, to report clogged storm drains, flooding, lights or traffic signals and 510-981-6660 to report downed trees.
What if I’m driving during a storm?
- If you must drive, check current highway conditions before heading out.
- If a traffic light is out, treat the intersection as a four-way stop.
- Call 911 if you encounter downed power lines.
- Severe storms often cause flooding in intersections and roadways. If you encounter a flooded road while driving, the city wants you to “turn around, don’t drown,” as water can be deeper than it appears.
More Contra Costa County resources
Here is more information on emergency alerts and resources.
Here are more tips on how to prepare for flooding: https://contracosta.ca.gov/floodprep.
Follow the county on X at @CCCounty www.twitter.com/cccounty for more updates (you can see posts without a login).
Berkeleyside Editor Zac Farber and reporter Iris Kwok contributed to this report.
