Wednesday forecast 12.10.14

meterologist dann cianca we brace for the strongest storm in years …overnight: mostly cloudy skies with increasing southerly winds. lows in the 50s. a few light showers possible. thursday: strong southerly winds for most of the day, especially in the higher elevations. winds peak at 25-35mph with gusts to 40mph in populated areas, 30-40mph, gusting to 80mph in the higher elevations. tree damage and power outages probable. a band of very heavy rain will move across the area from northwest to southeast. and most areas will be under the heavy rain band for several hours. urban and small stream flooding probable. behind the front expect widespread showers and isolated thunderstorms into tomorrow night. highs in the upper 50s to low 60s. combined seas of 15 to 20 feet likely making marine travel difficult and creating hazardous conditions on the coast. as far as the rain is concerned, here are forecast totals through thursday night: 4-8″ santa cruz mountains, santa lucia range2-4″ santa cruz coast1-3″ monterey peninsula, pajaro valley, salinas area, santa clara valley, northern san benito county, gabilan & diablo ranges 0.5-2″ inland monterey & san benito county valleysextended: showers and perhaps a few thunderstorms linger on friday before a mostly sunny and cool weekend. another system brings rain chances on monday.a high warning is in place for our entire area beginning at on wednesday at 10pm and lasting through 10pm thursday. conditions will favor sustained winds of 20-30 with gusts to 45mph for most populated areas, 30-40mph sustained winds with gusts to 80mph will be possible in the coastal mountains and higher elevations. tree and property damage is probable in exposed areas, power outages can be expected and driving conditions will be difficult.a flash flood watch is in place for our entire area from 9pm wednesday through 4am friday. widespread heavy rain could result in flash flooding in urban areas and small streams. mudslides/debris flows are possible in the mountains and especially in burn scars.a gale warning is in effect for our coastal waters from to thursday southerly winds over will build 25-40 knots with gusts to 50 knots on thursday. combined seas of 15-20 feet will be possible wednesday into thursday.a high surf advisory is place for our entire coastal area from wednesday through friday. expect combined seas of 15-20ft with some breakers near the coast topping 20ft. conditions near the beach will be hazardous with beach erosion and deadly rip currents possible.