Posted April 26, 2005, 9:43 AM.

The bulk of the storm isn't due until Wednesday night, but chance of rainfall should begin Wednesday afternoon. Moderate rainfall is expected Wednesday night and Thursday morning, then rain should taper off to showers Thursday afternoon.

Rainfall for April remained below normal ahead of the storm. Normal April rainfall is between 1" and 1.25" in most areas.

If rainfall amounts occur as projected, the all-time seasonal rainfall record for Fallbrook will fall. Records for Fallbrook are the most complete in the area and date back to 1976/1977, as recorded by George F. Emerich. The record is 36.85" in 1992/1993. As of Tuesday morning, rainfall for 2004/2005 season was 36.28" in Fallbrook, just 0.57" short of the record. The rain season runs from July 1st through June 30th.

The projected rainfall should also put Hemet over the 30" milestone. It would be the last WeatherCurrents weather station that's been active the entire rain season to pass the 30" mark. Previously, Fallbrook, Murrieta, and Temecula surpassed the milestone.

Another storm that was originally projected to affect the region this weekend (the third in this series) should instead pass by well to the north.