Storm Forecasted to Hit the Bay Area Early Next Week as Typhoon Halong Hits Japan

The Bay Area can expect an unusually turbulent storm for this time of year, but exactly how much rain will land early next week is still unclear.

The storm is expected to follow a powerful typhoon that hit the western Pacific on Thursday morning, reaching high speeds and forcing some residents in Japan to evacuate.

While expected to dissipate over the next few days, Typhoon Halong’s impacts on the jet stream could steer a high-pressure system across the Pacific, and toward California — causing a rainstorm over the Bay, meteorologists told KQED.

It could take a week or so before remnants make it to the West Coast, if they do make it there,” said Dial Hoang, from the National Weather Service’s Monterey and Bay Area office.

Dylan Flynn, NWS lead meteorologist, said even an inch of rain is notable for autumn in the Bay Area, which is typically characterized by the warm weather that residents have been enjoying. Flynn is calling this an early-season storm, predicting the Bay Area will receive a typical full month’s worth of rain in just two to three days.

John Monteverdi, San Francisco State University meteorology professor emeritus, said the latest models show the whole coast could be affected by the storm.

“Now remember, this is five days in advance. We’re expecting it into the area [between] Monday night to Tuesday, but things can change between now and then, of course,” Monteverdi said.

While meteorologists cannot say for certain when or how hard the storm will hit, they advise residents to take precautions regardless.

“In terms of items to pack in a bag in case you need to evacuate, we do advise things like first aid kits, medicine, food and water, including for your pets. We advise chargers, batteries, a radio, hygiene products and also important documents like insurance, medical information and personal identification,” Hoang said.

In the next few days, the National Weather Service will provide continuous updates about possible impacts and what parts of the Bay could be most affected.

To stay up to date with the latest information, visit weather.gov/sanfrancisco.