Huge storm descends on Bay Area to bring rain, wind, waves — and maybe thunder

An atmospheric river combined with a cold front is expected to bring a deluge a rainfall, gusty winds and thunderstorms to the Bay Area on Wednesday when the storm makes landfall just in time for the evening commute, officials said.

Light rainfall will sweep the region throughout the day, particularly in the North Bay, until the main event begins about 4 p.m., said Ryan Walbrun, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

“We will just see some really heavy rain for a three- to six-hour window,” he said. “And I think people will really notice the winds.”

Wind gusts of 50 mph are anticipated along the coast and hills at 500 feet elevations.