Bay Area, get ready—Monday is bringing some serious stormy weather! A powerful system is moving in, packing heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds that could make for a messy commute and a rough day outdoors. If you have plans, you’ll want to grab your rain gear, secure anything that might blow away, and drive carefully. Here’s what’s coming:
What to Expect & When
The National Weather Service has issued warnings ahead of this storm, which will bring:
- Soaking Rain: Most of the Bay Area will see a quarter-inch to an inch of rain, with higher amounts in the coastal hills.
- Thunderstorm Potential: Some areas could see isolated thunderstorms, meaning brief downpours, lightning, and even small hail.
- Strong Winds: A Wind Advisory is in effect:
- North Bay: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday
- South of the Golden Gate: 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tuesday
- Expect winds of 15-25 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph—and even stronger in the mountains!
How to Stay Safe
This storm isn’t one to ignore—taking some precautions can help you avoid trouble:
- On the Roads: Rain and wind will make driving tricky. Slow down, turn on your headlights, and watch for flooded spots.
- Secure Loose Items: Those gusty winds can easily send trash cans, patio furniture, and decorations flying—tie them down or bring them inside.
- Prepare for Power Outages: With high winds, there’s always a risk of downed power lines and outages. Keep your devices charged and flashlights handy.
- Be Mindful of Flooding: Low-lying roads and underpasses could collect water quickly, so don’t take chances driving through deep puddles.
What’s Next?
After the storm moves out late Monday night, we’ll get a short break on Tuesday with milder temperatures and some sunshine. But don’t put your umbrella away just yet—another storm system is set to hit on Wednesday, bringing more rain and wind.
So far, March’s rain totals are right on track with historical averages, with 1-2 inches of rain already recorded in most spots. Meanwhile, up in the Sierra, skiers are celebrating over 50 inches of fresh snow in the last five days, though avalanche concerns remain.
Spring is Coming!
The good news? Spring officially arrives Thursday, and by the weekend, we’re looking at sunshine and warmer temperatures—perfect for getting outdoors.
Monday’s storm will bring some serious wind and rain, but brighter days are coming. Stay safe, stay dry, and keep up with Weather Now for the latest updates.
