March: Out like a lamb? Not really...

  It is said that March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb, but as the end of the month approaches, the Bay Area is readying for yet another round of storms.

The next system is supposed to hit the region early Thursday morning, National Weather Service meteorologist Austin Cross said.

He said it likely won't be as severe as the storm that brought hail and funnel clouds to the Bay Area last week, but that he expects rain and strong winds.

"There's a possibility of some thunderstorms, but nothing that extreme," Cross said.

Winds of up to 40 mph are possible, especially in the North Bay coastal hills and in the Santa Cruz Mountains, he said.

"Most of the rain will be tomorrow morning, and it'll turn into showers tomorrow night," Cross said.

Another storm system is expected to arrive Friday night, bringing more rain and wind.

Showers will likely taper off by Sunday, when pop star Britney Spears is scheduled to perform outdoors in San Francisco's Castro District.

Cross said he doesn't expect to see severe flooding from the approaching storms but that small creeks and streams could overflow.

A flash-flood watch was in effect for parts of the Bay Area earlier today, as well as a high-wind advisory for local bridges. Both have
expired.

"The wind has kind of calmed down, but we do expect to see some
gusts picking up again this afternoon and this evening," Cross said.