Thunderstorms, Minor Flooding Possible In Benicia

BENICIA, CA — Widespread rain is expected to return to the North Bay and Bay Area early next week, with up to 4 inches of rainfall possible in some higher elevations Monday and Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.

The weather service in a briefing Friday said the storm is a "weak to potentially moderate atmospheric river" that will be preceded by wind gusts of 30 to 40 mph.

Forecasters expect the rain to arrive first over the North Bay and then the greater Bay Area around midday Monday into Monday afternoon, with the North Bay mountains and Santa Cruz Mountains likely to see the most precipitation. Those areas could see 2-4 inches, according to the weather service.

Power outages are possible, along with minor flooding of small streams and creeks and areas with poor drainage.

There is also potential for an isolated thunderstorm or two late Monday across the North Bay, and lingering showers may continue into Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

However, the rain from this system is expected to move through the region at a decent pace, therefore not stalling in any one area for a long period of time, the weather service said.

"This would overall provide mostly beneficial rainfall to the region with less of a widespread flooding concern."

Here's the current 7-day forecast for Benicia.

Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52. West wind 6 to 10 mph.

Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 64. West wind 6 to 10 mph.

Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. West wind around 9 mph.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 63. West northwest wind around 8 mph.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 43. West northwest wind 6 to 8 mph.

Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers after 11am. Partly sunny, with a high near 60.

Monday Night: Showers, mainly after 11pm. The rain could be heavy at times. Low around 50. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Tuesday: Showers likely, mainly before 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 64.

Tuesday Night: A chance of showers, mainly before 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 65.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 49.

Veterans Day: Sunny, with a high near 67.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 50.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 69.

Bay City News Service contributed to this report.