Bay Area Rainfall Totals: This Week’s Report | The Mercury News

Bay Area Soaked by Two Storms, Records 4 Inches in Santa Cruz Mountains

The Bay area experienced a notably wet week, wiht two successive storm systems delivering up to 4.06 inches of rainfall in the hardest-hit areas. Data collected between late Saturday, November 15, and Thursday, november 20, reveals significant precipitation totals across the region, according to the National Weather Service.While these figures are preliminary and haven’t undergone full quality control, they paint a clear picture of a substantial rainfall event.

Did you know? – The atmospheric rivers that brought this rainfall are long, narrow regions in the atmosphere that transport moisture from the tropics. they are responsible for a significant portion of the West Coast’s annual precipitation.

Regional Rainfall Breakdown

The heaviest rainfall concentrated in the South Santa Cruz Mountains, with Empire Grade receiving a staggering 4.06 inches. Close behind was Scott Creek at 3.83 inches and Mount Umunhum with 3.38 inches. These totals highlight the vulnerability of these mountainous regions to intense precipitation.

Here’s a more detailed look at rainfall totals by area:

Peninsula & South Bay: Windy Hill led the Peninsula with 3.15 inches, followed by Mount Hamilton at 2.72 inches and Coyote Reservoir at 2.68 inches. Rainfall totals generally decreased moving closer to the urban core, with San Jose downtown recording 1.81 inches.

east Bay: Mount Diablo received the most rainfall in the East Bay, with 2.18 inches. Totals were more consistent across the region, ranging from 1.94 inches in Richmond to 1.03 inches in Brentwood.

North Bay: The North Bay saw significant rainfall, with Mount Tamalpais receiving 3.04 inches and Woodacre recording 2.31 inches.Rainfall totals diminished further south, with Mill Valley receiving 1.3 inches.

Pro tip: – Before and during storms, clear gutters and downspouts to prevent water damage. Ensure proper drainage around your home’s foundation to mitigate potential flooding.

Dry weather Ahead

Following Thursday’s precipitation, the National Weather Service is forecasting a period of dry weather for at least the next week. This respite offers a chance for saturated ground to recover and for communities to assess any potential impacts from the recent storms.

A senior official stated that while the current figures are raw,they provide a valuable initial assessment of the week’s rainfall. The agency will continue to refine the data and provide updated data as it becomes available.

. This chart would visually represent the rainfall distribution across the Bay Area, highlighting the areas that received the most precipitation.

The recent rainfall serves as a reminder of the Bay Area’s susceptibility to both drought and intense precipitation events, underscoring the importance of ongoing water resource management and preparedness efforts.

Reader question: – How did the recent rainfall impact local reservoirs and water supplies? What steps are being taken to prepare for future extreme weather events?

expanded News Report:

Why did it happen? The Bay Area was impacted by two successive storm systems,fueled by atmospheric rivers,which brought significant rainfall between November 15th and 20th. These systems are common during the winter months and deliver much-needed precipitation to California, but can also cause flooding and other hazards.

Who was affected? The entire Bay Area experienced rainfall, but the South Santa Cruz Mountains were the hardest hit, receiving up to 4.06 inches of rain at Empire