The National Weather Service for the San Francisco Bay Area issued an advisory for high surf through Friday for some areas of the coast. Sunday's flash flood watch was also issued for portions of the region. This is especially true for areas that were affected by the wildfires last year. Strong winds are expected Sunday with gusts up to 60 mph (97 km/h) in the windiest areas.
According to the weather service, elevations of more than 9,000 feet (2.745 metres) in Sierra Nevada could receive 18 inches or more of snow from Sunday morning through Monday morning. They also warned of potential power outages and road closures.
Mike Pierre, the owner of Mission Ace Hardware and Lumber Santa Rosa in Sonoma County said that they sold out of tarps last week and anticipate selling more in time for Sunday's storm.
There is some relief that this year's wildfires will not be a disaster like last year, when the Glass Fire erupted in September and destroyed almost 1,600 homes. Pierre stated that customers had been buying power cords and generators in preparation.
He said that people were expecting it, but it never happened. "Hopefully, this rain will stop it from happening."
However, burn areas are still a concern as land without vegetation is less able to absorb heavy rainfall as quickly. This increases the risk of flash flooding and mudslides that could trap people.
Paul Lowenthal is an assistant fire marshal at the Santa Rosa Fire Department, Sonoma County. He said that the city provides free bags and sand for residents who need it to reduce rain runoff. As the city prepares to receive up to 6 inches (15 cm) of rain, they are asking residents to clean gutters and storm drains.
He said, "Given the volume water we expect, we want it go where it needs."
A warning was issued Friday night for parts of Santa Barbara County that were located 375 miles (603.50 km) south of Santa Rosa. This was due to the fact that the Alisal Fire had destroyed the area. The fire charred 26.5 sq. miles (68.6 km2) and was 97% contained. High winds caused the fire to erupt in Santa Ynez Mountains on October 11.
Californians were happy to see rain this week, the first time it had fallen in any measure since spring. NWS Bay Area tweeted that San Francisco International Airport had set a record for rain on Thursday with 0.44 inches (1.1 cm) of rainfall. On the same day, 1970, the previous record was 0.13 in (0.3 centimeter).
Rain and snow will continue to fall in central and northern California, before moving into Southern California on Monday.
Storms helped to contain some of the country's most destructive wildfires, including one that threatened the popular Lake Tahoe resort area this summer. After snow covered the western side of the fire and rain fell on the eastern side, the wildfire has been contained to 100%.
However, this week's storms will not end the drought in California and the west. California's climate has become hotter and dryer, which means that rain and snow falling in California will likely evaporate or be absorbed into the soil.
California's 2021 water-year, which ended Sept. 30, saw the state's second driest year on record. Last year was the fifth driest. Record low levels are being recorded at some of the state's most valuable reservoirs. Lake Mendocino is in such dire straits that officials from the state fear it will be dry next summer.
