Bay Area Braces for Rainy Week as First Storm Arrives

Lake Tahoe also expecting heavy snowfall from the same weather system

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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A storm system from the Gulf of Alaska is bringing the first of three back-to-back rain storms to the Bay Area, with the initial storm expected to last through Monday evening and bring 1 to 2 inches of rain across the region. Meanwhile, a snowstorm is also descending on Lake Tahoe, where meteorologists are expecting several feet of snow in the coming days.

Why it matters

The series of storms arriving in the Bay Area and Lake Tahoe region will impact travel, outdoor activities, and potentially cause power outages due to high winds and heavy precipitation. The rainfall is also important for the region's water supply, though the storms may not be enough to fully alleviate ongoing drought conditions.

The details

The first storm system is expected to bring the heaviest rainfall on Sunday night into Monday, with San Jose, Concord, and San Francisco projected to see 1.5 to 2 inches of precipitation. Oakland could see up to 2 to 3 inches. Higher elevation areas like the Santa Cruz Mountains may receive up to 4 inches. Winds are forecast to reach 35 to 45 mph, with gusts up to 55 mph in some areas. Temperatures will range from the mid-50s to low 60s on Sunday, cooling to the mid-50s on Monday.

  • The first storm system is expected to last through Monday evening.
  • The second and third storm systems are forecast to arrive on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.

The players

Roger Gass

A meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

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What they’re saying

“The initial storm system is off the coast, and it's potentially going to remain off the coast and not actually have a frontal passage with it, but we are expecting additional storm systems on Tuesday and Wednesday to bring high elevation snowfall to the region.”

— Roger Gass, Meteorologist (Mercury News)

“When the showers move over any given area, it's not like the mountains are blocking the atmospheric rivers that typically cause that reduced amount of rainfall in the rain shadow valleys.”

— Roger Gass, Meteorologist (Mercury News)

What’s next

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for the Lake Tahoe area, with forecasts expecting snowfall between two and three feet in the Tahoe Basin and between three and five feet at elevations above 7,000 feet. The agency has also issued an avalanche watch due to the rapidly accumulating snowfall and strong winds.

The takeaway

The series of storms arriving in the Bay Area and Lake Tahoe region will bring much-needed precipitation, but also pose potential risks to travel, outdoor activities, and power infrastructure. Residents are advised to stay informed, prepare for potential disruptions, and heed all safety warnings from local authorities.