Bay Area Storms Cause Rain and Minor Flooding

- This series of storms is fueled by an atmospheric river, a phenomenon responsible for the majority of California's annual water supply and credited with ending between 33% and 40% of droughts in the state between 1950 and 2010. - Projections for the initial storm system anticipated 1.5 to 2 inches of rain for San Francisco and San Jose, up to 3 inches for Oakland, and as much as 4 inches in the Santa Cruz Mountains, with wind gusts reaching between 45 and 55 mph. - A Coastal Flood Advisory was issued through Tuesday, as the storm's arrival coincided with astronomical high tides (spring tides), creating a combined risk of minor flooding in low-lying shoreline areas. - While the storms provide a significant boost, California's statewide snowpack, a critical component of its water supply, was at just 38% of the historical April 1 average as of February 13, 2026. - The current weather system is expected to deliver heavy snow to the Sierra Nevada, with predictions of up to 7 feet at Donner Pass, which will be critical for replenishing the snowpack. - As of early February 2026, the state was considered 100% free of drought conditions, with statewide precipitation at 107% of the historical average for the water year to date and major reservoirs at 65% of their total capacity. - A recent Stanford study found that when multiple atmospheric rivers arrive in close succession, as is happening this week, the resulting economic damage is typically three to four times greater than that of individual storms. - This weather pattern arrives as the Pacific Ocean shows signs of transitioning from a multi-year La Niña pattern towards a potential El Niño, which could create a more active winter storm track for California in the 2026-27 season.