Season's first storm brings rain to North Bay

Forecasters say the first significant storm of the season will bring gusty winds and up to 4 inches of rain to the North Coast before it’s over.

Showers that began early Friday were expected to drop up to 2 inches of rain before tapering off, said Suzanne Sims of the National Weather Service in Monterey.

Lighter rain will follow today with winds up to 30 mph this evening, Sims said.

An additional 2 inches of rain is forecast for Sunday. Dry conditions will return Monday with no rain in sight for the week, Sims said.

Friday morning’s rain slicked roads caused a few minor crashes during the rush-hour commute. A big-rig crash on Highway 101 in San Rafael tangled traffic in both directions.

Also, emergency officials reported trees down in Alexander Valley and The Sea Ranch but no major power failures.

“Just like every rainy day, you have to slow down,” CHP Officer Kerri Post said.

This weekend’s storm is the second of the month. An Oct. 3 storm dropped about a half-inch.

You can reach Staff Writer Paul Payne at 707-568-5312 or paul.payne@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter ?@ppayne.