By Khalida Sarwari
Stormy weather is pounding the Bay Area today and residents are being warned about high winds on local bridges and roadway flooding throughout the region, especially in areas south of San Francisco, according to a National Weather Service forecaster.
The Santa Cruz Mountains and coastal regions of Santa Cruz and Monterey counties will experience the most significant amounts of rain, up to 4 inches, forecaster Bob Benjamin said.
A wind advisory is in effect in the North Bay mountains and San Francisco Bay shorelines until noon, Benjamin said.
A high-wind warning was issued for the Santa Cruz Mountains until 6 p.m. Also, until noon, along the outer coast of San Francisco, the Diablo Range, along the East Bay hills and peninsula coast there is a high-wind warning.
A small stream flood advisory was in effect until 10 a.m. for Santa Clara, San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties.
A flood watch will be in effect for possible flash flooding and debris flows for portions of Monterey County starting this afternoon, Benjamin said, with the anticipation of heavy rains.
Temperatures across the Bay Area today are expected to range from the lower 40s to the mid 50s. More rain is expected Monday with temperatures remaining stable in the lower to mid 40s, Benjamin said.
Rain showers will taper off starting Monday night and temperatures are expected to increase to the upper 50s to lower 60s midweek.
Benjamin said drivers should be cautious of heavy rains, which could cause hydroplaning.