Northern California closes schools ahead of expected storm

SAN FRANCISCO – A powerful storm expected to pack hurricane-force winds and heavy rain triggered emergency preparations across Northern California on Wednesday, with residents gathering sand bags, crews clearing storm drains and San Francisco school officials canceling classes for the first time since 9/11.

As much as 8 inches of rain could fall on coastal mountains over a 24-hour period starting late Wednesday, the National Weather Service said.

Ski resorts in the northern Sierra Nevada could get more than 2 feet of snow before the storm moves through Southern California and to the east with less strength through states including Nevada, Idaho, Arizona and New Mexico. Those states could get rain and snow, but nothing like what California is expected to experience, forecasters say.

“It’s a short amount of time for that amount of water,” weather service forecaster Diana Henderson said. “We are anticipating some localized flooding, maybe some downed trees and downed power lines. It could have an effect on a wide range of people.”

The storm is expected to be one of the windiest and rainiest in five years and could also cause debris slides, especially in areas affected by this year’s intense and widespread wildfires. Big waves are expected along the coast.

Public schools in San Francisco and Oakland and some private schools in the Bay Area planned to stay closed today.

San Francisco Unified School District Superintendent Richard A. Carranza said he didn’t want to put students at risk, and staff absences and power outages could affect the district’s ability to supervise and feed students.

Wind gusts of up to 70 mph were expected on mountain tops, creating possible blizzard conditions in the Sierra. Rain, pounding surf and gusty winds were forecast for Southern California starting this evening.

The weather service issued a high-surf advisory from the Central Coast to Ventura County, saying “waves will over-top jetties and sea walls at times” and “will potentially wash into low-lying beach areas or parking lots.”

In California’s agricultural heartland, farmers were looking forward to the dousing after three consecutive dry years.