According to National Weather Service forecaster Diana Henderson, a ridge of high-pressure over the Pacific Ocean that has been keeping rain to the north of California is expected to break down by mid-week, opening a window for storms to impact the region through the weekend. She says the first storm is expected reach the Bay Area on Wednesday afternoon and could bring a half-inch to an inch of rain.
Periods of moderate to heavy rainfall are likely to reduce visibility on roadways and cause areas of localized flooding, according to the weather service.
Henderson notes that a second storm, which is expected to hit the region on Friday and Saturday, could bring another inch of rain.
Gusty winds are expected to accompany the second system, possibly toppling trees and power lines, she said.
Although the entire region is forecast to receive rain, Henderson says drought conditions will persist throughout the state.
"It won't end the drought by any means, but it certainly helps," she said.
(ABC7 News contributed to this report)
