SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — It is literally the calm before the storm. But things won’t be so quiet for the rest of the week — we’re in for a series of stormy days in the Bay Area.

At the Pacifica Pier Tuesday, there were many people taking in the waves.

“I decided to enjoy the last of the sunshine,” said one resident.

Those increased wave heights could be a harbinger of the impending rain.

“My husband owns a water restoration company, so he prepares all his equipment and his employees are notified that they are available,” said Yvonne Gavidia, a Pacifica resident.

The pier had partially reopened after being closed due to storm damage earlier this year. The Department of Public Works said they were too busy preparing for precipitation to comment, but noted the pier may close again this weekend if rough surf continues.

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

To the north, at the San Francisco Public Works Operations Yard, there was a steady stream of residents loading their suitcases with sandbags and preparing for Wednesday’s expected half-inch of rain.

“We just moved into our house, so we’re not sure if there will be flooding or not, so we’re just trying to be prepared,” said Neha Tammana, a Bernal Heights resident.

WATCH: Latest AccuWeather Forecast

There are approximately 12,000 sandbags available for residents, with a limit of 10 per person.

“The water isn’t draining fast enough and it’s starting to creep into the garage,” another resident noted.

Signs are being posted in areas of the city prone to flooding, such as 17th and Folsom, warning residents and businesses of the flood barriers being installed by the Public Utilities Commission on Tuesday evening. Stable Cafe has experienced many floods in recent years and was even closed for over a week in January. They are now on high alert.

“Within 10 minutes it was completely flooded,” said Bradley Bascia, a cafe worker. “It was like people were stuck inside for a while.”

In addition to clearing storm drains, the San Francisco Department of Public Works is also preparing for high winds to prevent fallen tree limbs in the city, as seen during storms earlier this year near Dolores Park.

“Our tree crews are on duty and on call,” said Public Works Representative Rachel Gordon. “We see more trees falling at the start of storm season, and as winter progresses, heavy rains and saturated soils can cause trees to fall.”

TIMELINE: Atmospheric river hits Bay Area Wednesday with heavy rain, flood risks and high winds

The North Bay is expected to bear the brunt of that atmospheric river.

“We hear Atmospheric River and while we don’t know how much water will come through, we know that a lot of that rainwater will be in our river system and that means a lot of fast-moving water,” Andrea said. Rodriguez, Sonoma Water communications manager.

An inflatable dam on the Russian River near Forestville marks the start of the winter rainy season, when forecasts show river flows increasing and the dam being lowered.

“The inflatable dam is filled with water and holds 180,000 liters of water, so we are slowly releasing the water back into the river,” she said.

“It will take another 24 hours before the dam is completely at the bottom. If this atmospheric river occurs as predicted, waters could rise to street level by the weekend.

A fishing team was also on site to remove underwater cameras and lights to protect equipment from fast-moving water.

They are part of the monitoring program, which has so far counted 1,200 Chinook salmon that have traveled up the river in the past month — a healthy number.

The Russian River could peak at more than 25 feet by the weekend, and Guerneville residents know how to do it.

“Clean your gutters, clean your storm drains, get batteries for your flashlights, charge your radio, charge your cell phone, fill the gas tank in your car. Get ready,” said Mark Pedroia, who lives in Guerneville.

“When I say we’ve been through it many times, we’ve been through it for a lifetime.”