Alameda Weather Update: Rains Continue, Hail in the Forecast

Rain – and hail – will continue to pour down on the Bay Area today.

Thunderstorms could roll through and produce small hail. Winds are expected to be reach between 25 and 35 mph. Gusts are expected to be as high as 45 mph.

Highs are expected to be in the mid-50s, while lows are expected to dip into the upper 40s at night.

The National Weather Service has issued two advisories for Alameda today: a flood advisory and a wind advisory.

At 11:20 a.m. the Weather Service Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near Millbrae moving northeast at 35 mph.

"Wind gusts up to 40 mph are expected with this storm... along with heavy rain," according to a Special Weather Statement, in effect through 12:15 p.m., issued by the Weather Service. 

The wind advisory is in effect until 2 p.m., and could "topple trees and bring down power lines. Power outages are likely. In addition... driving will be difficult for motorists with high profile vehicles or trailers."

The flood warning is in place until 5 p.m.: "If you will be driving on Thursday allow extra time to get to your destinations and use extra caution on the roadways. If water covers the roadway do not cross it. Flood waters are usually deeper than they appear and the water may be too deep to allow your vehicle to cross safely.

"This Flood Advisory means that although streams and creeks may be elevated or even rise out of their banks... property damage should be minimal. Inconveniences can be expected but the flooding will not be immediately life threatening."

The heavy rain has already caused some trouble on the roads in the East Bay, closing two lanes near San Leandro on southbound Interstate 880 between Davis Street and Marina Boulevard, according to a California Highway Patrol officer.

The lanes are now re-opened. They were closed due to flooding between 3:14 a.m. and 5:57 a.m., said CHP officer Peter Van Eckhardt.  

Reporting to this story was contributed by Bay City News Service.