Trio Of Storms Poised To Soak Bay Area Into Next Week: Forecast

SAN FRANCISCO — A super-soaker is aimed at the Bay Area, and the first blast is forecast to hit by Friday evening, followed by two more systems and a grand finale timed around the Monday morning commute.

According to the National Weather Service, the series of systems will bring moderate to heavy rainfall to the region over the next few days, along with gusty winds both Saturday and Monday mornings and a few shots at thunderstorms. The back-to-back storms will also create a risk of shallow landslides, minor localized flooding and hydroplaning on roads.

The action should kick off for most late Friday afternoon into the evening, with more than an inch of precipitation possible around San Francisco through Saturday night. Rain totals should run a little higher in the North Bay and lower in typically rain-shadowed areas like San Jose.

"Total rain amounts through tonight will range from around 1-2 inches in the coastal ranges, to around 0.5-0.75 inches for the North Bay and SF Peninsula, to around 0.25-0.5 inches for South Bay, southern Monterey Bay, and interior Central Coast," NWS Bay Area forecasters wrote Friday morning. "Sufficient instability exists for an isolated thunderstorm or two, and given several flashes noted offshore via lightning detection networks [we] can't totally rule out a flash or two later as the upper low approaches."

Forecasters expect a gusty start to Saturday, amid more rain, before winds ease in the afternoon and allow for a slight break in the weather. However, forecasters expect scattered showers will continue ahead of the next — very wet — system.

"Looking further into the weekend, Sunday night into early Monday morning will be the main 'money maker' of the multiple rounds of rain over the weekend," the weather service said. "The highest elevations and peaks may potentially see up to 4.5 inches. Lower elevations such as the SF, North, and Monterey Bays are likely to see amounts ranging from 1.5 - 2 inches."

The forecast shows even rain-shadowed and further inland regions picking up more than an inch of precipitation. Adding another layer to the action Monday morning will be another potential for thunderstorms.

According to the weather service, the "heaviest and most impactful" rain is likely to emerge around sunrise Monday and continue through rush hour. Lingering showers should begin to diminish by late in the evening.

"This all being said, be prepared to slow down, use your windshield wipers (now might be a good time to check them before the rain), turn on your headlights, and give extra distance between yourself and other drivers," forecasters cautioned Friday. "Nuisance flooding of roadways is a possibility, so be sure to avoid driving through flooded roadways."

After Monday's storm passes, forecasters are keeping tabs on at least one more system due Tuesday into Wednesday, but expect it will be "light and beneficial rain" of generally less than an inch.