Rain, rain coming our way

The second half of this week will feature “soaking rain and mountain snow returning to drought-stricken California,” according to a recent report from AccuWeather.com.
There is a 100 percent chance of rain Wednesday and Thursday for the Gilroy and Morgan Hill areas, according to Forecaster Steve Anderson for the National Weather Service.
There is also a 90 percent chance of showers Friday, 70 percent Saturday, 40 percent Sunday and 30 percent Monday, Anderson added.
The storm system is coming from the northwest and could dump between 1 to 2 inches, which would double the amount of rain this area has received since Jan. 1 2014. Gilroy has only received 3.68 inches during the present rain season, which begins July 1 and ends June 30.
AccuWeather.com reports that several inches of rain could soak the northern California coast, while feet of snow may blanket the Sierra. Snow levels could drop low enough to whiten the mountains of Southern California.
The upcoming rain and mountain snow will definitely be welcome to a state where the percentage area of places enduring an extreme to exceptional drought was 68 percent on Feb. 18, the U.S. Drought Monitor stated in its latest report.
The number was nearly 61 percent the week prior.
California’s Department of Water Resources states the amount of water stored in the snowpack across the Sierra was only 25 percent of normal on Feb. 21.
“While many residents are likely rejoicing at the news of the returning wet weather, some hazards will also accompany the storms,” reminds Senior Meteorologist for AccuWeather.com.
Rainfall could possibly trigger flash flooding and mudslides in areas recently burned by wildfires, she warns, and roads will turn slick as the rain mixes with oil residue left behind by vehicles during the prolonged dry spell.