Yet Another Storm System Hits San Mateo

It is said that March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb, but as the end of the month approaches, the Bay Area is readying for yet another round of storms.

In fact, the next system hit the region early this morning and will dump several more inches of rain, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Austin Cross. As of Thursday mid-morning, rain and wind was already buffeting the region.

Cross said it likely won't be as severe as the storm that brought hail and to the Bay Area last week, but that he expects rain and strong winds.

"There's a possibility of some thunderstorms, but nothing that extreme," he said.

Winds of up to 40 mph are possible, especially in the North Bay coastal hills and in the Santa Cruz Mountains, he said.

"Most of the rain will be (Thursday) morning, and it'll turn into showers” tonight, Cross said.

Another storm system is expected to arrive Friday night, bringing yet more rain and wind. Showers will likely taper off by Sunday.

Cross said he doesn't expect to see severe flooding from the approaching storms but that small creeks and streams could overflow.

A was in effect for parts of the Bay Area earlier Wednesday, as well as a . Both had expired, but this morning wind and flood advisories remained in effect in Monterey County, and parts of I-880 in the East Bay were closed due to flooding.

- Bay City News