LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The first of a series of storms drenched Lake County on Wednesday and into early Thursday, with forecasters predicting several more days of rain ahead.

The National Weather Service said this week's set of storms – a series of Pacific frontal systems – is expected to result in about half the rain that Northern California received last week, and issued a special weather statement due to the storm situation.

The National Weather Service's updated forecast expects as much as 6 inches for Lake County from all of the storms, which are expected to continue from Thursday into Tuesday.

Lake County received a steady amount of rain Wednesday that was accompanied by gusting winds.

For the 24-hour period ending at midnight Thursday, the National Weather Service's observation stations reported the following rainfall totals, in inches.

– Bear Canyon (Middletown): 3.55.
– Boggs Mountain: 2.60.
– Cache Creek (near Lower Lake): 2.46.
– Cobb: 2.92.
– Hidden Valley Lake: 2.08.
– High Glade Lookout (above Upper Lake): 1.73.
– Indian Valley Reservoir: 0.96.
– Jerusalem Grade (Middletown): 2.48.
– Kelseyville: 1.82.
– Putah Creek (Middletown): 1.58.
– Soda Creek at Lake Pillsbury): 2.54.
– Upper Lake: 2.10.
– Whispering Pines: 2.80.

The first of the storm systems that moved over Lake County on Wednesday will be followed by another on Friday that is forecast to be weaker in rainfall amounts and wind, but will bring snow levels down to between 3,000 and 4,000 feet.

The National Weather Service said the third storm system will move over the region on Sunday. It's anticipated to bring more rain and wind, with snow levels dropping even lower, down to between 2,000 and 3,000 feet.

The rain has caused another rise in Clear Lake, which at 1:30 a.m. Thursday was at 7.13 feet Rumsey. The lake will reach the full mark at 7.56 feet Rumsey.

Caltrans said it anticipates highway closures with the new storm systems, and urged motorists to check road conditions frequently.

For the latest road condition information, the radio may be tuned to the Caltrans Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) at 530 AM, 1610 AM or 1670 AM or call the Caltrans Road Condition Hotline at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623). Real time conditions are also available online and for mobile phones at http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov .
 
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