While today’s rainfall is bringing some relief to the parched Bay Area, it is also creating dangerous driving conditions, and motorists are being warned of slippery roadways.
Most of the Bay Area, including downtown San Francisco, the hills of San Mateo, and southern Marin County, has received just under an inch of rainfall, National Weather Service forecaster Bob Benjamin said.
A little more than an inch was received in the Guerneville area and in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Benjamin said.
With heavy rain forecast throughout the Bay Area on Friday and steady rain expected this weekend, the California Highway Patrol is reminding drivers to prepare for slick roadway conditions.
Drivers are urged to turn on their headlights, reduce their speeds and avoid tailgating, CHP officials said.
The rain is expected to let up early next week, according to Benjamin.
While Benjamin said he does not believe today’s rainfall will be a “drought buster,” he said, “It will definitely help bring up the local reserves.”
Snowboarders and skiers can expect some powder in the Sierra Nevada this weekend, following months of minimal snowfall at mountain resorts.
There is also a chance of additional storms around Valentine’s Day and over the Presidents Day weekend, according to Benjamin.
Hannah Albarazi, Bay City News
