Bay Area storm: More rain on the way, flood and wind advisories take effect

Heavy rain and strong winds are still sweeping the Bay Area on Saturday, prompting flood watches, wind advisories and power outages across the region.

Early Saturday morning downtown San Francisco was also hit with intense winds, prompting the first tornado warning ever issued for the city, according to the National Weather Service. The warning, which also included parts of northern San Mateo County, went into effect around 5:54 a.m. before being lifted about 20 minutes later. Trees were blown down across the city, blocking major roadways and streets. More than 10,000 people were without power in San Francisco as of Saturday morning, according to PG&E.

The NWS issued a flood advisory at 8:23 a.m. Saturday morning in the Petaluma area following a night of hefty downpours. The advisory is in effect until 1:30 p.m.

In Belmont, police are asking the public to avoid Shoreway Road on Saturday morning because of flooding caused by rain. As of 8 a.m., the road is closed in both directions between 1301 Shoreway Road to Redwood Shores Parkway and Holly Street, according to a police advisory. There was no estimate for when the road would reopen.

A flood watch went into effect at 4 a.m. Saturday morning and will last through Sunday afternoon at Carmel River State Beach in Carmel Valley. Flooding is likely to occur at the beach parking lot and potentially near the neighborhoods south of 15th Avenue, according to the NWS.

Another flood warning was issued from Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon for the North Bay, including Sonoma, Napa and Marin counties. The NWS reports excessive rain may lead to flooding in creeks and rivers, and water ponding on roadways and in other low-lying areas. A coastal flood advisory for areas along the San Francisco and San Pablo bays also went into effect Thursday morning and will remain until Monday afternoon.

With possible wind gusts of up to 55 mph Saturday, high wind warnings have been issued for the San Francisco and the Peninsula coast from 10 p.m. Friday until Saturday morning. Meanwhile, wind advisories for inner Bay Area cities that went into effect Friday afternoon will last until 10 a.m. Saturday. South winds are expected to be between 20-30 mph, possibly resulting in blown-down trees and power lines, according to the NWS.

The storm has also left thousands without power in the South Bay. As of 9:30 a.m. Saturday morning, the outages have been largely concentrated on the Peninsula coast including areas around Pomponio State Beach, Pescadero State Beach and Butano State Park, according to PG&E. In downtown Menlo Park neighborhoods more than 1,000 people are experiencing power outages, along with customers in parts of Millbrae and downtown Burlingame. Power for all the areas is expected to return Saturday afternoon, according to PG&E.

In Richmond, PG&E reports an estimated 1,335 customers are currently without power and high winds might delay repairs and restoration time. Richmond police are asking residents to take precaution while on the road and stay away from downed power lines.

This is a developing story. Check back late for updates