Incoming Storm Expected To Bring Cold, Rain and Wind To Bay Area

ALAMEDA, CA — Yet another winter storm is expected to strike the Bay Area beginning later this evening, and like all the other recent storms, this one will bring wind, cold and more rain to an already saturated California.

A storm system developing over the Pacific will drive a cold front through the Bay Area and Central Coast on Tuesday. Expect gusty winds and moderate to heavy rain. Urban and small stream flooding is expected, NWS Bay Area forecasters said Monday, March 27.

Downed tree limbs and trees many result in isolated power outages, the National Weather Service warned.

Chilly early morning temperatures arrived to the area before the incoming storm. Some of those temps were cold enough to set daily record low temperatures for at least a few long term sites: San Francisco tied the 1898 record at 42 degrees Fahrenheit, while Oakland came in at 41 degrees breaking the record low of 42 degrees set in 1991. Redwood City coming in at 33 degrees this morning also broke a 1972 record of 35.

Rain is expected to arrive to the North Bay Monday evening eventually making its way to the rest of the Bay Area.

Alameda and the surrounding communities can expect anywhere from an inch of to an inch and a half of rain from the storm, Accuweather forecasters said.

A wind advisory has also been issued for the area for Tuesday the Bay Area NWS announced on Twitter.

The storm will have strong south-southwest gusts associated with it with the strongest wind gusts expected along the coastline and higher terrain.

"Gusty winds will begin over the northern coastal waters Monday evening. Winds over land will begin to get gusty late Monday night and continue into much of Tuesday. Strongest gusts will range 35 to 55 mph which will increase the risk of more downed trees and potential power outages," the NWS said.

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According to NWS, as the system moves to the south, thunderstorms will be possible across the region and while there is a slight risk of excessive rainfall Tuesday along the coastline, the threat is marginal to those further inland.

"Although mainstem rivers are not expected to rise above flood stage, street and creek flooding will remain a concern," NWS forecasters said.

The Bay Area can expect lighter showers to linger Wednesday into early Thursday as the storm moves south.

After the storm departs the area, the Bay Area should see clear skies Thursday and Friday with a chance of rain returning over the weekend, NWS said.