More rain, including an another atmospheric river, is set to hit the Bay Area.
The next round of wet weather comes after a post-Christmas storm soaked the region. With an already saturated Bay Area, many residents and businesses used a dry Wednesday preparing for what is expected to be a stronger series of rain.
How long will the storm last?
The rain returned late Wednesday, although initial totals should be fairly low with most areas seeing less than a half-inch of rain. We likely will see rain totals pick up in the North Bay by Thursday evening.
Higher rain rates per hour and gusty wind will increase by Friday afternoon into Saturday morning. Early Saturday should be the storm at peak intensity with localized flooding along creeks and streams. Roadway flooding is likely into midday Saturday.
There also is the potential for prolonged rain in the North Bay.
The Bay Area should catch a break from the rain for New Year's Day on Sunday before more rain returns on Monday.
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Widespread flood watches issued in Bay Area
The storm has prompted the National Weather Service to issue widespread flood watches in the Bay Area. Forecast shows high rain rates, with totals reaching several inches in the mountains. In addition, creeks and streams may see rapid rises.
For more information visit NBC Bay Area's weather alerts page.
