Northern California drenched by ‘Pineapple Express’ storm

Rebuilt Oroville Dam spillway expected to handle overflow safely

SAN FRANCISCO – Northern California was drenched by a powerful “Pineapple Express” storm that flooded roadways, forced flight cancellations and caused a rare baseball rainout.

No major problems were reported after the heaviest rain from the “atmospheric river” of subtropical moisture moved through from Hawaii late Friday. But flood warnings and watches remained in effect Saturday for the Sierra Nevada, the Santa Cruz Mountains south of San Francisco and other areas.

Forecasters said runoff from melting snow could add to the chance of rapidly rising streams and rivers.

Police rescued a man who became trapped in a rain-filled drainage channel near Sacramento, where many roads were flooded.

The state capital saw about 1.2 inches of rain Friday. Downtown San Francisco saw nearly 2 inches, making for the fourth-wettest April day since records began.

The storm tapered off by late Saturday morning but minor flooding continued along the swollen Truckee River near Lake Tahoe.

Parts of Yosemite National Park remained closed as the Merced River peaked several feet above flood stage through the Yosemite Valley.

San Francisco International Airport reported about 150 canceled flights because of the weather and others were delayed.

The opener of the San Francisco Giants-Los Angeles Dodgers weekend series was rained out, the first at the Giants ballpark in 12 years. Saturday’s game was also pushed back by two hours.

Bodega Bay in Sonoma County received nearly 6 inches of rain – more than the total for March, according to the weather service. County officials said there were no major mudslides in areas stripped bare by last fall’s wildfires.

To the north, state officials warned this week that they may have to use the partially rebuilt spillway at Oroville Dam for the first time since repairs began on the badly damaged structure last summer.

The water level in Lake Oroville hit 797 feet on Saturday.

If it reaches about 830 feet, water managers said they may open the gates to the spillway, which was repaired after rains last February revealed erosion problems.

Officials said they are confident it can safely function.