Widespread rain arrives in Bay Area, snow forecast for Lake Tahoe

Steady rainfall arrived across the Bay Area early Saturday morning, ahead of scattered showers forecast for the rest of the day and stronger rain expected to return in the evening. By around 10:30 a.m., a fraction of an inch of rain had fallen throughout most of the region, according to National Weather Service.

The North Bay saw heavier precipitation, with some areas recieving up to an inch. A new cold front arriving by nightfall was expected to bring more rain through Sunday morning. Overnight lows were forecast to dip into the low 40s before temperatures warm to the 50s on Sunday. “By the afternoon, it should be high and dry,” said weather service meteorologist Matt Mehly.

Weekend rain totals could reach an inch in San Francisco, Oakland, Santa Cruz and Concord. About a half inch was forecast in San Jose and Livermore. The totals may vary due to rain shadowing, an effect in which mountains shield valley areas from heavier rain. Looking ahead to next week, Monday and Tuesday were expected to be sunny and dry, with highs in the 60s, before more rain could arrive on Wednesday.

In the Sierra Nevada mountains, light snow was falling in the Lake Tahoe area Saturday morning, with much more expected throughout the day and night, potentially totaling up to 2 feet along the western slopes. A winter storm warning was in effect through 4 a.m. Sunday, according to the weather service.

An avalanche watch also remained in effect in the backcountry of the Central Sierra and the greater Lake Tahoe area until 7 a.m. Sunday. The watch comes just a few days after an avalanche killed one person at the Palisades Tahoe resort. Authorities said anyone driving to the area should be cautious and pack winter clothes, chains, a flashlight, food and water..