Winter-Like Storm With Possible Hail & Thunder Coming To San Francisco

A winter-like storm is headed toward the San Francisco Bay Area and is forecast to bring moderate rainfall, isolated thunderstorms, and possibly, pea-to marble-sized hail, according to the National Weather Service.

SFGATE reports that this stronger storm system is expected to bring three-quarters of an inch of scattered showers in San Francisco and the East Bay. Higher Terrain areas like the Santa Cruz Mountains and Oakland Hills could see three-quarters to one inch of rainfall. The South Bay may see a quarter to a third of an inch of rain. The rainfall is expected to last until Friday morning (April 22) and end later that evening.

The majority of the Bay Area also has a 50% chance of seeing hail, which may seem uncommon but NWS meteorologist Drew Peterson said it isn't much of a concern. "For April, it's stronger than normal," Peterson told SFGATE. "But overall, we’re expecting beneficial impacts. It’s going to push the fire season back several weeks, and we’ll be picking up additional rain in this below-normal rainfall season. Every inch helps."

However, the accumulation of hail on roadways could make the roads icy. “Be prepared for slower traffic and give more space between vehicles,” he said. “Try to keep aware of your surroundings. If you see showers nearby, be aware of the potential for small hail. It’s going to look like snow on the ground.”