'Atmospheric River' To Dump Rain, 50 MPH Winds On Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, CA — Weather forecasters are warning of an upcoming storm headed for the Bay Area which is expected to dump rain across the region beginning Wednesday. The storm system will include the winter's first "atmospheric river," which is a plume of deep moisture pointed at the region, according to the National Weather Service.

"Look for mostly dry conditions today before a storm system brings widespread rainfall and breezy to locally gusty winds during the day Wednesday to the North Bay and through the remainder of the region Wednesday night," the NWS said on Tuesday. "After another period of dry conditions, a third system is possible late in the upcoming weekend."

The storm could dump between 3 to 5 inches of rain in the coastal areas, and 1 to 2 inches inland, according to the NWS.

Potentially hazardous winds are also forecast, with gusts up to 50 mph, prompting officials to issue a wind advisory for the region.

"As the front approaches southerly winds will pick up with higher elevation areas likely to see gusts over 40 mph at time," the NWS said. "Favored spots in the North and East Bay hills will likely see gusts over 50 mph."

Come Friday, drier weather is expected to return before another system returns as early as Sunday morning.

Watch Now: 'Atmospheric River' To Dump Rain, 50 MPH Winds On Bay Area

IMAGE 1: Widespread precipitation to the entire region is expected Wednesday into Thursday as a weak atmospheric river interacts with another frontal system as it pushes through / CREDIT: NWS

IMAGE 2: Breezy conditions can be expected at higher elevation locations for Wednesday and Wednesday night as a cold font approaches our region. / CREDIT: NWS