Live updates: Bay Area storm brings damaging winds, thunderstorm threat
Crisp Christmas morning with light showers on the way
As Santa was making his delivery rounds around the Bay Area he encountered some thunderstorms along the way but that later gave way to some crisp weather Christmas morning. Light showers are expected around the region.
OAKLAND, Calif. - As Santa Claus made his delivery rounds Christmas morning, he encountered scattered thunderstorms that failed to dampen the holiday spirit. However, the Bay Area could see more damaging winds as a storm system continues to move through the region.
Forecasters say those powerful winds will persist through Thursday evening.
A winter storm warning remains in effect until 3 a.m. Friday.
Real-time updates
1:05 p.m. Highway 12 in Sonoma is closed from Watmough Road to Highway 121 due to flooding, according to Caltrans.
There is also a dense fog advisory in effect from the Napa/Solano County lines to Highway 24 in Napa.
1:02 p.m. San Francisco International Airport is on an FAA ground delay due to winds.
12:40 p.m. A tornado warning is in effect for Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley, and Capitola until 1:00 p.m.
11:09 a.m. Mudslides and falling rocks on Moraga Avenue in Piedmont along with downed trees at local parks, according to police.
10:53 a.m. Southbound Highway 101 in San Jose at Yerba Buena Road is closed because of an overturned tanker, according to Caltrans. The estimated time of reopening is 5 p.m.
Wind gusts surpass 90 mph
The storm has already brought intense wind gusts to several peaks overnight. Wind speeds reached 92 mph at North Peak Access Road in northwestern San Mateo County and 90 mph at Gunsight Fire Road in Marin County. Elsewhere, gusts hit 91 mph near Santa Cruz Harbor and 90 mph at Mount Umunhum.
Flood watch in effect
A flood watch remains in effect across the region through Friday evening. Heavy rainfall brings a primary threat of flash flooding and landslides.
Downtown San Francisco recorded 0.74 inches of rain between 5 p.m. Wednesday and 5 a.m. the following day.
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Sierra snowstorm: Multiple spinouts reported on I-80
The Sierra Nevada was blanketed with snow on Wednesday as a storm swept through the region on Christmas Eve.
Risk of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes
Meteorologists warn of a slight chance of severe thunderstorms through Thursday evening. The most significant concern is a line of showers expected between 4:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Thursday that could produce damaging winds and isolated tornadoes.
Dangerous coastal conditions
High surf and hazardous marine conditions are expected to persist along the Pacific coast and nearby beaches through Friday.
Mudslides and falling rocks
The Piedmont Police Department said they responded to mudslides and falling rocks on Moraga Avenue as well as downed trees in Piedmont Parks due to the ongoing weather conditions.
Snow blankets Sierra, and more coming
Residents and visitors in the Sierra spent time on Wednesday enjoying a winter wonderland as snow fell across the mountain range.
Tahoe travel discouraged
In the Sierra, a winter storm warning is in effect until 10 a.m. Friday, alongside an avalanche warning until 5 a.m. Friday. Officials strongly discourage travel to the Tahoe area until at least Saturday.
Cooler weather ahead
Once the storm system clears the region, colder temperatures are expected to settle in over the weekend.