SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — Rain overnight Monday gave way to morning showers in parts of the Bay Area Tuesday, impacting the morning commute for some. Widespread and prolonged periods of moderate rain are expected from late Monday through Friday this week, according to the National Weather Service.
While most of the Bay Area was dry as of 10 a.m. Tuesday, the NWS said it was still tracking showers over the coastal waters and the North Bay, where there have been off and on showers since last night.
“Get ready for some November rain,” said KRON4 Meteorologist Kyla Grogan. “As we head to work on Tuesday morning, scattered showers will move through the Bay Area providing some much-needed rain.”
“As we move into the afternoon, the precipitation looks to be more concentrated in the North Bay but unsettled conditions will leave the possibility of a shower across all of the bay,” Grogan added.
Expected rain totals forecast have decreased slightly, according to the NWS. Much of the region is expected to receive total rainfall in the 0.5-1.5 inch range this week. Rainfall should be locally higher in coastal mountain areas.
“Right now, the highest totals look to be in the North Bay Coastal Mountains and the Santa Cruz Mountains where we could see above an inch of rain,” said Grogan. “North Bay valleys will likely see .5″ – 1.0″ and then less than that as you move south throughout the rest of the Bay Area.”
Despite the decrease in expected totals, this week’s rain event could lead to ponding of water on roadways and minor nuisance flooding, the NWS said. In order to mitigate potential impacts of the storm, the NWS recommends:
- Cleaning gutters/drains of leaves
- Planning on wet roadways
- Allowing for extra travel time
- Leaving extra space between vehicles
Winds are also likely to increase on Tuesday, with the wet winter weather expected to peak in the middle of the week. Wednesday could be a stormy day, with thunderstorms possible into Thursday, according to Grogan.
While this week’s weather event will peak on Wednesday and Thursday, light rain may persist into Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.
“There will be a break overnight Tuesday but then more showers are expected Wednesday and then again Thursday, Friday and even into the first part of Saturday,” said Grogan. “The good news is that we’re getting this rain gradually and that should allow the ground to soak it in as we go day by day through this system.”
“I’m happy to see that we are getting our water season started,” said Grogan. “So, get your umbrellas ready for a few days of showers.”
