Anticipate a rainy holiday weekend ahead for the Bay Area as consecutive storm systems are poised to sweep through the region, as per the National Weather Service. The initial bout of rain is projected to commence late Friday, featuring light to moderate precipitation, occasionally intensifying to heavy rain throughout Saturday.
On Sunday, another system is expected to bring forth additional rain accompanied by gusty winds across the region, as outlined by the NWS. This upcoming system on Sunday may persist into the following week, potentially giving rise to weather-related risks, as highlighted by KRON4 Meteorologist Kyla Grogan.
Graphic: Kyla Grogan
“The subsequent wave of rain is slated to arrive late Friday night and progress through Saturday,” mentioned Grogan. “However, it is the subsequent round of rain approaching Sunday night and lingering until Tuesday that raises the most concern.”
The implications of this weekend’s rainfall may encompass elevations in creeks, streams, and rivers, minor landslides, and accumulation of water on road surfaces, cautioned the NWS.
“This is due to the fact that not only is it a more substantial spell of rain, but it is also anticipated to fall on already saturated ground,” explained Grogan. “This indicates that potential flooding is a significant concern throughout the Bay Area, particularly in the North Bay, where numerous creeks and streams are expected to swell.”
The most substantial rainfall accumulations are foreseen in the North Bay and along the coastal ranges, with an estimated 1 to 3 inches of precipitation, as per the NWS.
Issuance of Winter Weather Advisory
The intense rainfall in the Bay Area is predicted to trigger another round of snowfall in the Sierra region. A winter weather advisory has been declared from 10 a.m. on Saturday until 4 a.m. on Sunday, according to the NWS. Furthermore, a winter storm watch is in effect from Sunday evening through Wednesday morning.
Snowfall ranging from four to 8 inches is probable on Saturday, with localized areas near the peaks potentially experiencing up to a foot of snow. The most substantial snowfall is expected on Saturday night, as per the NWS.
The snowfall over the weekend could significantly impact holiday travelers, with potential challenges such as snow-covered roads, slippery surfaces, reduced visibility, and travel disruptions, cautioned the NWS. Chain restrictions may be imposed, as indicated by the NWS.
“Alongside the anticipated rainfall, there are two rounds of snowfall anticipated in the Sierra starting this Saturday,” informed Grogan. “The initial storm is relatively mild compared to the subsequent one. By the end of this spell, we anticipate witnessing a few feet of fresh snow in the vicinity of Tahoe.”
Graphic: Kyla Grogan
“This is indeed promising news as we are still lagging behind the average snowpack for this year. This weather pattern presents an opportunity for California to make up some ground,” Grogan concluded.