Pouring Rain, Roaring Wind, Towering Waves Forecast In The Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO — The first of two storm systems arrived in NorCal on Wednesday, kicking off an active stretch of weather in the Bay Area that forecasters expect will linger into the new year.

The National Weather Service issued a coastal flooding advisory Wednesday ahead of the first round of rain and high tides projected to run more than a foot above normal through Friday. Forecasters expect water-related hazards will ramp up Thursday, when a high surf warning is set to take effect along the entire coastline, with breaking waves as high as 30 feet possible on northwest and west-facing beaches.

"These high wave heights are very dangerous and will easily sweep people into the sea off rocks and jetties," the National Weather Service's Bay Area office warned Wednesday. "Never turn your back to the ocean! Stay off of coastal jetties, avoid going into and near the water, and keep your eyes on kids and pets."

Wednesday's rain was forecast to bring less than a half-inch to most portions of the Bay Area, with slightly higher totals likely in the North Bay. Forecasters said wind gusts could top 30 mph around San Francisco on Wednesday and issued a wind advisory for the North Bay coast where speeds could hit 50 mph.

The focus will turn to ocean hazards on Thursday ahead of the wetter system due Friday. The second storm looks forecast to bring about an inch of precipitation to most locations, with more than 2 inches possible in the coastal mountains and areas of the North Bay.

Early forecasts favor a well-timed pause in the action for New Year's Eve before stormier weather returns to kick off January.

"We're expecting a lull on Sunday (New Year`s Eve) and possibly Monday (New Year`s Day), with a few scattered showers if anything, before chances of rain tick up the middle of next week," forecasters wrote Wednesday. "[The models] collaborate on an active pattern continuing into the early part of January, but as with all long-term guidance, rain timing, intensity, and amount are all to be determined."

Here is a recap of the key messages from the National Weather Service:

• High tides will be 1-1.5 ft above normal Tuesday through Friday.
• The North Bay will see 0.5-1.5" of rain Wednesday, with 0.1-0.5" for the rest of the Bay Area.
• Winds will gust as high as 45 mph in coastal areas Wednesday.
• Widespread WNW swells of 15-20 ft with a 16-18 second period on Thursday.
• Breaking waves of 30 ft, occasionally to 40 ft, are possible on northwest and west facing beaches Thursday.
• Higher rain totals Friday with up to 2" in the coastal mountains.
• Winds could gusts as high as 35 mph in coastal areas Friday.
• The high surf Saturday looks smaller than Thursday, but will be hazardous all week.