Rainy days are in store for Bay Area residents as a series of storms are expected to pass through the region this week.

Periods of heavy rain and strong winds are expected as storms sweep through the area “one on the heels of the other,” National Weather Service forecaster Diana Henderson said.

Henderson said parts of the North Bay may receive more rain than the rest of the region, “but when all is said and done, everybody’s going to get wet.”

With heavy rains come slippery road conditions, and authorities are reminding drivers to use caution.

“Slow down,” Henderson warned. “St. Peter can wait.”

The San Francisco Department of Public Works is preparing for the rain by clearing out catch basins to avoid flooding.

Department officials are asking residents to help by sweeping leaves and debris to prevent localized flooding.

Public works crews will also be offering free sandbags at the department’s Operations Yard at 2323 Cesar Chavez St. The bags will be available today through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There is a limit of 10 bags per household and proof of residency is required, city officials said.

Further information about how to prepare for heavy rains can be found at www.sfdpw.org.

Erika Heidecker, Bay City News

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