Merced could see upwards of 1 inch of rain this week. What are the chances for flooding?

Merced could see thunderstorms and upwards of 1 inch of rain this week, the second punch of a powerful storm that arrived with gusty wind Tuesday.

Meteorologist Jessica Chiari with the National Weather Service’s San Joaquin Valley office in Hanford said the Merced area experienced peak wInd gusts Tuesday averaging about 40 mph, ushering colder air into the region. Wednesday’s forecast called for high temperatures in the upper 40s to low 50s with a 40-50% chance of rain. According to Chiari, there was also a possibility of thunderstorms Wednesday which could include small hail.

Thursday’s high temperature is expected to reach the high 40s with a 50% chance of rain. According to Chiari, the Merced area could see an 80-90% chance of rain late Thursday and into Friday morning with possible wind gusts around 30-40 mph. Chiari said the bulk of the rainfall is expected to occur Thursday into Friday with heavier rainfall expected in the afternoon.

The weather service on Wednesday did not anticipate issuing any flood watches or warnings, but the area could experience what Chiari described as nuisance flooding.

“It’s always a possibility especially in areas that have poor drainage,” Chiari said.

Friday’s temperatures are expected to reach a high of near 50 degrees with a possibility of rain in the evening which is expected to taper off Saturday and into Sunday. Saturday and Sunday are expected to see high temperatures in the low 50s. According to Chiari, the area could possibly see more precipitation Monday and Tuesday of next week.