National Weather Service: Storms to Impact Bay Area This Week

The National Weather Service stated that several storms will be impacting the San Francisco Bay Area throughout the week.

Light rain to moderate rain is expected Sunday and Monday with a stronger storm expected to bring heavy rain Tuesday and Wednesday. Light rain is expected Thursday and Friday.

Here is the information released by the National Weather Service:

...WET WEEK AHEAD AS SEVERAL STORMS WILL IMPACT THE BAY AREA...

A SERIES OF STORM SYSTEMS CURRENTLY OVER THE PACIFIC WILL BRING
RAINFALL TO THE ENTIRE REGION THIS UPCOMING WEEK. THE FIRST STORM
IS FORECAST TO BRING LIGHT TO MODERATE RAIN SUNDAY AND MONDAY.
HIGHEST RAINFALL AMOUNTS WILL BE ACROSS THE NORTH BAY AND ALL COASTAL
MOUNTAINS. THE SECOND...AND STRONGEST STORM...IS FORECAST TO BRING
MODERATE TO HEAVY RAIN TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY. HIGHEST RAINFALL
AMOUNTS WILL ONCE AGAIN BE ACROSS THE NORTH BAY AND ALL COASTAL
MOUNTAINS. THE SECOND STORM SYSTEM WILL ALSO BRING GUSTY SOUTHERLY
WINDS ON TUESDAY AND LOWERING SNOW LEVELS ON WEDNESDAY. SNOW WILL
BE POSSIBLE OVER THE HIGHER PEAKS OF MONTEREY AND SAN BENITO
COUNTIES WEDNESDAY AND WEDNESDAY NIGHT. THE THIRD AND FINAL STORM
SYSTEM IS FORECAST TO BRING LIGHT TO MODERATE RAIN THURSDAY AND
FRIDAY.

HIGHEST RAINFALL AMOUNTS WILL BE OVER THE SANTA CRUZ
MOUNTAINS AND THE BIG SUR COASTAL MOUNTAINS. SNOW LEVELS WILL
REMAIN LOW ALLOWING FOR SOME SNOW OVER THE HIGHER PEAKS OF
MONTEREY AND SAN BENITO COUNTIES THURSDAY INTO FRIDAY. TOTAL
RAINFALL AMOUNTS FOR THE UPCOMING WEEK WILL BE FOUR TO SIX INCHES
FOR THE NORTH BAY COAST AND ALL COASTAL MOUNTAINS...LOCALLY HIGHER.
TWO TO FOUR INCHES ELSEWHERE...WITH THE EXCEPTION OF INTERIOR
MONTEREY/SAN BENITO COUNTY WHERE TWO AND HALF INCHES OR LESS OF
RAIN IS EXPECTED.

CHP Tips to Drive in Wet Weather

The CHP issued a reminder early in the winter that the Bay Area weather will bring rain, fog, and snow in some regions. Though the rainfall is very much needed, these weather conditions bring new challenges to our roadways.

Here are some safe driving tips to help you when the roads are wet:

• Slow down in the rain, fog, and snow. Wet or snowy roads have less traction.
  Increase your following distance, and brake early.
• Always turn your headlights on in inclement weather. Often lights are the only things visible to other motorists!
• Avoid driving through puddles; your vehicle can be stranded in deep standing water.
• Hydroplaning (the loss of contact between tires and the roadway due to standing water) can lead to crashes. If you begin hydroplaning:
• Avoid hard braking movements. If you have to use the brakes, tap them lightly.
• Keep your steering wheel straight; steering is not possible when tires aren’t making contact with the road
• Take your foot off the accelerator.
• When you regain traction, continue driving at slower speeds to avoid future hydroplaning.
• Collisions increase with bad weather. Plan ahead and add extra travel time!
  Never use cruise control in bad weather.

Make sure your vehicle is weather-ready!

• Make sure your tires are properly inflated, in good condition, and have enough tread depth.
• Check your vehicle’s lights, and replace any burnt out or malfunctioning lights.
• Make sure your windshield wipers are in good condition. Manufacturers recommend replacement at least yearly.
• Keep your windshield, windows, and mirrors clean. Use anti-fogging agents if possible.
• Ensure your vehicle fluids are topped off, including antifreeze coolant, oil, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid.
• When getting ready for winter trips, make sure you have a full gas tank, an emergency kit, blankets and other warm clothing, snacks and water. Carry chains, a windshield ice scraper, and flares for emergency situations