Rain began falling in Mendocino and Humboldt counties north of San Francisco by 6:30 a.m. and was widespread in Northern California by noon, according to the San Francisco Chronicle newspaper.
High winds knocked down trees and caused major delays at San Francisco International Airport, by far the region’s busiest.
Heavier rainfall was expected in late afternoon and early evening, the National Weather Service told the newspaper.
“It’s coming in a little later than expected, but the rainfall totals should still be the same,” NWS forecaster Austin Cross said.
By midday, more than an inch of rain had fallen in Santa Rosa, parts of Marin County had received ad much as a third of an inch, and the East Bay and San Francisco had about a tenth of an inch.
But 2-4 inches are expected to fall in the Bay Area by Sunday, with nearly seven inches expected in North Bay counties, the weather service’s lead forecaster, Roger Gass, told the newspaper.
Wind gusts as high as 40 mph were expected along the coast, and a wind advisory was issued extending from Point Reyes to Big Sur.
San Francisco International Airport, located just south of the city, reported flight delays of 60-90 minutes and the cancellation of nearly 200 flights by noon.
Officials advised travelers to check with their airlines for any changes in flight departure and arrival times before coming to the airport, the newspaper said.
