Heavy rainfall, high winds and dangerous surf are expected to sweep across the Bay Area on Monday and Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. A winter storm is arriving before Christmas Day that may cause holiday travelers to rethink their plans and opt for indoor activities. Rain will hit the North Bay and Central Coast the hardest, where several inches is expected to fall. Sonoma and Marin counties could see up to three inches of rainfall, leading to potential flooding of roads. weather 7 hours ago Vianey's forecast: Rainy evening bay area weather Dec 20 Bay Area weather: Series of storms slated to soak the region The storm will also bring strong winds throughout the Bay Area, especially along the coast. There is also a medium to high probability of winds exceeding 35 mph on Tuesday. At the Central Coast, which includes Santa Cruz and Monterey counties, NWS is warning of damaging surf next week with peak wave heights up to 25 feet on Monday and Tuesday. “Being in or too close to the water will be very dangerous over the next week or so,” NWS wrote on Saturday in a post to X. High Surf Advisory With a high surf warning in effect for Pacific Coast beaches from Sunday afternoon through noon Tuesday, Santa Cruz County officials are urging residents and visitors to stay informed and prioritize safety. From Cloverdale to Monterey, a high surf warning is in effect, with westerly swell and large breaking waves bringing life-threatening conditions to the bays, ocean and beaches this upcoming week, the National Weather Service Bay Area said on social media Sunday. Impacts include swimming and surfing conditions the weather service described as “life-threatening.” Large waves can sweep across the beach without warning, pulling people into the sea from rocks, jetties and beaches, the weather service said. “Never turn your back on the ocean,” the weather service said. A High Surf Advisory is issued when breaking wave action poses a threat to life and property within the surf zone. “Share this message with your out-of-town visitors to keep everyone safe this holiday season,” Santa Cruz County officials said on social media Sunday. “If in doubt, stay out!” This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.