It is raining. For real. Finally.

The past few weeks have been spectacular.  A little rain is okay.  Waddel.

What feels like the first real rain storm of the season is now in full effect.  Two cars were totaled just south of the fish hook on Route 1.  Urban flooding could be seen on the streets and in parking lots.  One got very wet walking from the front door to the car today.  And it is still coming down.  Well, actually, we have a little break happening right now.  But the winds are starting to whip up, and the rain should come back in earnest soon enough.  Tonight could be quite tumultuous.  Not really a night for a star lit stroll on West Cliff Drive.  Maybe take in a movie.  Or cozy up at home.  Oh, wait.  There it is.  Rain pelleting the window once again.

Up in the mountains, a few inches of wet slush fell across the higher elevations.  Essentially, it has been raining below 8000 feet.  Snow levels are creeping up this evening, but are expected to crash over night.  By midnight, it should be snow at lake level.  Plan for some nasty weather to continue in the morning, with 100mph ridge gust and white out conditions.  When things begin to settle down in the afternoon, we could be looking at about 30 inches above 9000 feet, and 10 down around 6000 feet.  Could be enough for 1/2 price soup at Freshies.  Barely.  But we will take what we can get.  If you are headed up there, please be careful.  Sure, you know about the road.  But on the slopes as well.  Plenty of obstacles will remain and avy danger will be a reality.  Stay inside the open areas in the resorts.  Sunday looks like a good day in  the mountains, with parting clouds and lighter winds until the next system shows up late in the day.

Down here, you can expect a rainy morning on Saturday, with still a strong south wind.  Things improve a bit as we move to afternoon.  Perhaps showers, perhaps a break in the clouds.  Could be a good sunset.  Later in the day a fairly large swell should arrive from the WNW.  It is basically victory at sea out there, so not really ideal from a surfing perspective.  If you must, find a well sheltered zone.  Still, a breaking storm, with crazy seas, the viewing will be pretty spectacular.  Don't expect much warmth, as we may not break past 55F this weekend.  Sunday is just about the opposite.  It will start out nice, but clouds and rain return by the evening for another round of storms.  This one will not be quite as strong, but will likely impact the Monday morning commute.  The rest of the day is dedicated to clearing of the storm, with more tranquil weather to follow through mid week.  In fact, it will be quite nice by Wednesday with mid 60s and mostly sun in the forecast.  And more swell fills in with possible offshore winds to boot.

A few late day waves before the storm came in.  Waddel Creek, Santa Cruz.

So, we are getting primed right now for some much improved skiing and waterfall viewing.  Surf will be big but stormy for the next few days, with noticeable improvement by the middle of next week.  A few more days of rain before a return to nice warm sunny weather.  You got to love our winters.