California Braces for a Wet and Windy Start to the Year

California is in for a rough ride with a series of storms lined up to hit the state. Starting this Friday, rain will drench areas from northern California up to Oregon, while higher elevations in the Sierra Nevada Mountains will see snow. This isn't just a one-day event; the rain is expected to stick around through the weekend, raising concerns about flooding along the California coast. This isn't the first time this year that California has dealt with heavy rain. Just a few days ago, on New Year's Day, southern California was hit hard with flooding. Videos from Palm Springs showed cars struggling through flooded streets, and in San Diego, multiple water rescues were needed as the San Diego River overflowed its banks. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a level 1 out of 4 flood risk for the entire California coastline from Friday to Monday. But it's not just the coast that needs to worry. Pockets of northern and southern California, especially the mountains and areas around Los Angeles, are under a level 2 out of 4 flash flood risk on Saturday. More rain is expected on Sunday, with the heaviest downpours hitting central and southern California.The Bay Area isn't off the hook either. The NWS has issued a coastal flood warning for the San Francisco Bay until Saturday afternoon. The combination of King Tides and storm surge could lead to 2. 5 feet of inundation, a level not seen since 1998. Strong winds are also part of this stormy mix. Wind alerts have been issued for most of the California coast, except for southern California. Gusts could reach up to 45 mph through the weekend. In the mountains, above 5, 000 feet, snow could pile up to 2 to 4 feet, with even higher totals at the highest elevations. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for the Sierra Nevada Mountains until Monday. Traveling in these conditions can be extremely dangerous, so it's important to be cautious and prepared. Adding to the mix, a few thunderstorms are possible from Saturday to Sunday morning in northern California and Oregon. The Storm Prediction Center has issued a Level 1 out of 5 risk for severe storms, mainly for gusty winds, but a brief tornado can't be ruled out. Looking ahead, the weather pattern doesn't seem to be letting up. More moisture, rain at lower elevations, mountain snow, and breezy conditions could keep California in an extended stretch of unsettled weather.