MONTEREY >> A larger storm is headed for Monterey County this week, with the effects likely to be exacerbated by last week’s wet weather, bringing several inches of rain and the potential for high winds and thunderstorms.

The cool and sunny weather the Monterey Peninsula has been having for the last week will continue into Tuesday morning. Later this week residents are encouraged to take precautions for potential thunderstorms or flooding.

Tuesday is expected to be sunny during the day. The rain will start Tuesday evening, with a 30 percent chance of rain from 4 p.m. until after midnight when the chance rises to 80 percent. The rain is expected to continue into Wednesday morning before 10 a.m.

“Technically we’re not considering Tuesday into Wednesday an atmospheric river, between those days we’ll see about half an inch to an inch of rain,” said Crystal Oudit, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service Bay Area.

The atmospheric river is expected to start Wednesday night after 10 p.m. bringing about three quarters of an inch of rain. Thursday has the potential for thunderstorms with a 100 percent chance of rain and possibly higher winds. The National Weather Service is predicting about two inches of rain for the Monterey Peninsula lasting into the evening and Friday morning.

“Thursday night into Friday, I’d say there’s about a 25 percent chance of thunderstorms,” Oudit said.Friday afternoon is expected to be drier, with the rain stopping for a while before a small chance of rain Friday evening.

As of Tuesday morning, there isn’t any rain expected on Saturday, but the drizzle could return on Sunday morning with a mostly cloudy forecast.

There are currently no advisories in place for the wind or flooding, but conditions could change as the week moves forward. The urge for caution comes from last week’s weather, when the Peninsula experienced light drizzle throughout the weekend.

“The previous rain from last week already saturated the soil, so when the bigger wave comes in on Thursday it’s going to increase the risk for any ponding or flooding,” Oudit said.

“Friday, we’re going to have drier conditions and that’s when things will start to calm down into the weekend,” Oudit said.

The county recommends residents prepare for potential flooding by clearing gutters, securing outdoor furniture and keeping sandbags on hand if they live in flood-prone areas. Drivers should also exercise caution on wet roads, as heavy rainfall could lead to slick conditions and reduced visibility.