A series of storms are expected to hit California with rain, wind, snow and large waves over the next week, bringing the state the first prolonged stretch of widespread storms of the season. The storms are arriving as the waters off the California coast are unusually warm and El Niño continues to strengthen. The weather pattern confuses weather around the world, often making winters in California wetter than normal and raising sea levels enough to cause flooding. Most of the rain will fall in Northern California. The state has experienced some of its wettest winters during strong El Niño, such as the one developing now. The next two storms are unlikely to generate spectacular precipitation totals, but they have the potential to cause the first statewide drenching and bring high winds. The heaviest rainfall is likely to occur in the north coast region, where up to six inches could fall over the next week. The San Francisco Bay area could see up to two inches, and Los Angeles is likely to receive less than an inch. The first storm will bring rain across the state on Friday and reach the North Bay on Thursday night. Intermittent showers and blustery winds are expected in the Bay Area most of the day on Friday.
