Bay Area storm packs thunder, hail

Monday morning’s rain and thunderstorms brought downpours, lightning and even hail to many parts of the Bay Area, but according to the National Weather Service, the total rainfall is relatively light.

The rain had mostly moved out of the North Bay and was passing toward the Santa Cruz Mountains as of mid-morning, according to National Weather Service hydrologist Mark Strudley. Showers will continue throughout Monday in the Bay Area, tapering off into the evening.

Tuesday is expected to be clear and cool, with temperatures dipping into the 30s in some inland valley areas Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

While residents may have experienced brief, heavy downpours in many areas Monday morning, Strudley said the overall rain totals are at less than an inch for the Bay Area, and in many places less than half an inch. The highest totals will be seen to the south in Santa Clara County, Monterey County and eastern San Benito County.

Small hail was reported in the Santa Cruz and Santa Cruz Mountains area, Strudley said.

Monday morning’s rain caused flooding on many Bay Area roads in areas including Oakland, Marin County and San Francisco, according to the California Highway Patrol. Drivers were being urged to watch for standing water on the roads, especially in the outside lanes, and to drive with extra caution.