Back-To-Back Storms To Bring Rain, Flooding Risk And Heavy Snow To Bay Area

Heavy rain, lightning, and even some snow are expected across NorCal over the next few days.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:33pm by Ben Kaplan

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A dramatic, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a stormy, snow-capped mountain range under a brooding, turbulent sky, conveying the overwhelming scale and power of the impending weather system.The looming presence of a powerful winter storm system casts an ominous shadow over the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains, foreshadowing the heavy snow and rain to come.San Francisco Today

After a prolonged heatwave, the Bay Area is expected to see heavy rain, thunderstorms, and up to 3 feet of snow in the Sierra Nevada mountains starting Thursday night and continuing through the weekend. Coastal areas could see up to 2 inches of rain, while San Francisco and the North Bay may get up to 1.5 inches. Isolated thunderstorms are also possible, bringing the risk of lightning, heavier rainfall, small hail, and gusty winds.

Why it matters

The incoming storms will provide much-needed relief from the recent heatwave, which significantly reduced the Sierra Nevada snowpack. However, the heavy rain also raises the risk of localized flooding, especially in coastal areas, and difficult travel conditions in the mountains due to the heavy snowfall.

The details

The rain is expected to start Thursday night, with light to moderate showers throughout the region on Friday. Heavier rain is forecast for Saturday, which could create localized flooding. Santa Cruz and Big Sur could see 1.5 to 2 inches of rain, while San Francisco, the North Bay, and Contra Costa County could see up to 1.5 inches. Isolated to scattered thunderstorms are possible late Friday and Saturday, which could produce lightning, heavier rainfall, small hail, and winds up to 30 mph in higher locations. The storm is also expected to bring up to 3 feet of snow to higher elevations in the Sierra Nevada mountains, including Tahoe, Donner, and Lassen.

  • Rain is expected to hit the Bay Area later Thursday night.
  • Light to moderate showers are expected throughout the region on Friday.
  • Heavier rain is forecast for Saturday, which could create localized flooding.
  • Isolated to scattered thunderstorms are possible late Friday and Saturday.
  • The winter storm watch for the southern Cascades and Northern Sierra is in effect from 5 p.m. Friday through 11 p.m. Sunday.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency that provides weather forecasts and warnings for the United States.

Dylan Flynn

A meteorologist with the National Weather Service who spoke to The Mercury News about the likelihood of lightning in the Bay Area on Friday.

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What they’re saying

“Rain totals are trending up! 🌧️📈 Coastal ranges (Santa Cruz/Big Sur) now eyeing 1.5"–2", with SF & North Bay up to 1.5".”

— NWS Bay Area

“Lightning is likeliest Friday afternoon across the Bay Area, when there will be a 25-30% chance.”

— Dylan Flynn, Meteorologist

What’s next

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for the southern Cascades and Northern Sierra about 4,500 feet from 5 p.m. Friday through 11 p.m. Sunday, warning that travel could be 'very difficult to impossible' in higher mountain elevations.

The takeaway

The incoming storms will provide much-needed relief from the recent heatwave, but the heavy rain and snowfall also raise the risk of localized flooding and difficult travel conditions, especially in the mountains. Residents should be prepared for the potential impacts of the storms and take necessary precautions.