North Bay first responders, residents gear up for parade of storms

PETALUMA, Calif. (KGO) -- In the North Bay, the return of rain is good news for residents who have been dealing with cold, dry conditions lately.

First responders are watching the weather into next week and will upstaff if needed.

Rain will soon be making a comeback in the Bay Area after a long, cold dry spell.

MORE: Why is it so cold? Here's a look at 'radiation fog' and how it's contributing to the December chill

"It's been so cold, hopefully the rain will warm it up a bit," said Kim Cavanaugh from Petaluma.

Cavanaugh was at the car wash, getting ready for a Tahoe road trip.

"I washed my car, yes. I'm picking up a little road trip, we might get rain or some snow," Cavanaugh said.

TIMELINE: Rain returns to North Bay Tuesday; then becomes widespread, stronger winds by end of week

In Windsor, the Sonoma County Fire District is reminding drivers to be safe on the roads.

"As the rain returns, we remind folks to drive safely, use your headlights, wipers, and give space, that's probably the most common thing we see in the early stages of light rain, traffic accidents, people who are driving like it's summertime," said Deputy Chief Matt Windrem from Sonoma County Fire District.

Sonoma County roads could see flooding Christmas week, Deputy Chief Windrem says if a road is closed, don't risk it.

"Turn around, don't drown. We repeat it, unfortunately, we have to keep repeating it, we do have areas which flood," said Windrem.

LIVE: Track rain in San Francisco Bay Area with Live Doppler 7

Bay Area hardware stores are ready to help you get rain-ready before the storm arrives, with sandbags, rain jackets and tarps.

"It's like a first aid kit, it's better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it," said Manager Brian Eyslee from Pini Hardware in Novato.

Eyslee showed us every homeowner's top go-to when rain starts falling.

"These are gutter extensions helps keep water away from the foundation of your house. A little splash block, water comes down, hits thi,s and gets moved away from the house," Eyslee said.

And in case you need it this winter, an emergency flood barrier.

"I sell a lot of tarps and calking, temporary fixes because sometimes rain comes out of nowhere," he said.