1st Big El Niño Storms Hit CA, Bring Hope Of Easing Historic Drought

"After a year of hype and hope, El Niño's punch is finally arriving in California, bringing a series of storms to soak the Bay Area and most of the rest of the drought-stricken state through this week and probably into next.

The National Weather Service is forecasting the wettest week of this winter so far -- rain in six of the next seven days, with the heaviest downpours expected Tuesday and Wednesday in the Bay Area, bringing potential rain totals of up to 5 inches in higher elevations. Forecasters expect 1 to 3 inches in most Bay Area cities.

A flash flood watch is in effect through Tuesday morning for the Big Sur coast, and a winter storm warning is underway through Tuesday night for the southern Sierra Nevada, from Yosemite National Park to Kern County, where 2 feet or more of snow is expected in the next few days."

Paul Rogers reports for the San Jose Mercury News January 5, 2016.

SEE ALSO:

"El Niño effect: California Preps For Two Weeks Of Rain And Snow " (AP)