A rainstorm is set to arrive in the Bay Area Monday and stay through Tuesday afternoon, bringing with it showers and a chance of lightning that is not expected to impact the Monday morning commute but that will likely impact the evening commute, meteorologists said.
The “notable early season storm” began brewing off the Pacific Coast last week and is forecast to bring rainfall to even the Bay Area’s driest spots. The storm comes just days after federal scientists announced that La Niña has started, meaning that the waters off the coast of South American are cooler than normal and may bring drier winter weather to California.
Isolated showers had started in the Bay Area around 5:30 a.m., according to a social media post from the National Weather Service.
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“The morning commute will not be impacted by rain or thunderstorms, but the evening commute certainly will,” the meteorologists said. “Allow extra time, space, and patience when driving this afternoon and evening as roads will be slick.”
The storm could bring rainfall totals ranging between 0.25 inches and 3 inches as it passes through, with the highest totals in elevated areas, meteorologists said. The heaviest rainfall is expected to hit the Central Coast.
Meteorologists also said that thunderstorms were possible, primarily over coastal waters and the bays, and warned people to be aware of lightning, waterspouts, small hail and heavy rain. Boaters were advised to remain at port.
This is a developing report. Check back for updates.
