Tranquility emerging after Northern California experiences destruction from floods, stormy winds, and giant waves.
News Article: Northern California Weather Update
After a series of intense storms, Northern California is bracing for more weather challenges in the coming days. Here's a roundup of the latest forecasts and the impact of the recent storms.
Flooding Threats Ease
Good news for residents in Guerneville as forecasters no longer expect the river to flood on Friday. The river in Guerneville is anticipated to reach a peak of 26.2 feet on Friday morning, which is below the flooding stage level of 32 feet. However, forecasters are expecting more severe flooding during the upcoming storms over the weekend and following week, particularly in the Sacramento River and the Cosumnes River, which have already experienced levee breaks.
High Tides and Massive Waves
The storm has caused high tides and giant waves along the coastline of Santa Cruz County, damaging areas of the pier in Capitola and Seacliff. In Capitola, high tides and massive waves flooded businesses, leading officials to evacuate hundreds of residents. The Santa Cruz Jetty was damaged by waves rising to 20 feet.
Windy Conditions
Moderate to strong northwest winds are expected on Friday, with gusts up to 35 mph or higher near coastal gaps. These winds could mix out coastal fog and bring clearer conditions briefly, but the marine layer will redevelop by Saturday morning.
Drought and Wildfire Risk
Despite the limited precipitation, the region remains under drought conditions with dry and warm trends persisting in much of California. Consequently, the wildfire risk remains elevated.
Upcoming Weather
Showers and thunderstorms mainly in mountainous northern areas are expected this weekend, with light to moderate rainfall. Brett Whitin, a hydrologist at the California Nevada River Projection Center, stated that the flooding in Hopland is not as high as it was during the New Year's Eve flood. Forecasters expect at least two to three more storms to affect Northern California over the weekend and into next week.
Impact of the Storm
The winter storm that hit Northern California caused flooding in Santa Cruz, knocking out power, falling trees, and damaging homes and businesses along the shore. A young child was tragically killed by a falling tree in Santa Cruz due to the storm. Andrea Prost, a transplant from Southern California, stated that she had never seen waves as huge as the ones that battered the coast Thursday.
Cautions Lifted
Emptying cautions were lifted by Thursday night in certain locations of the region, including the watershed locations of Uvas Tank and Pacheco Pass River Basin before 6 p.m. Emma Simpkins, a staff member at the Barbecue Basket near the Santa Cruz Jetty, witnessed waves breaking completely up to the sidewalk.
This information is based on data and forecasts available as of mid-August 2025. Stay tuned for further updates on the weather conditions in Northern California.
- The flood threat in Guerneville has eased, but forecasters warn of severe flooding in the Sacramento River and Cosumnes River in the upcoming storms due to levee breaks.
- The recent storms have caused accidents, including a tragic incident where a young child was killed by a falling tree in Santa Cruz.
- Scientists and environmental experts are closely monitoring the effects of the storms on the region's drought and wildfire risk, given the limited precipitation and dry conditions persisting in much of California.
