Blustery storm brings relief to dry California

SAN FRANCISCO — Steady rain fell in Northern California and fresh snow blanketed the Sierra Nevada as the first of several powerful storms expected to slam Western states this weekend made its way inland Saturday, raising hopes the drought-stricken state can get much-needed precipitation.

Droves of snowboarders, skiers and sledders packed Sierra slopes, while tourists braved wet weather and visited San Francisco landmarks before the arrival of a blustery storm forecast for later in the day.

California is not the only place expecting severe weather. Conditions are especially ripe for tornadoes in the Southeast and Great Plains, specifically Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, southern Illinois, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Florida, North and South Carolina, and parts of Virginia.

Back in the Sierras, the Sugar Bowl ski resort near Donner Summit reported 7 inches of new snow at the summit overnight and slopes full of people Saturday. “When it snows, people are anxious to get up here and get to those fresh tracks,” said Lloyd Garden, Sugar Bowl’s marketing coordinator. “Die-hards love to ski when it’s snowing. It’s very peaceful, it’s quiet, and the turns are fresh and great.”

Forecasters warn the rain and snow will be accompanied by blustery winds, possibly up to 60 mph. The strong winds could bring down trees and power lines, leading to scattered power outages, the National Weather Service said.

The weather service says a seven-day total could approach 20 inches of rain in Northern California and up to three inches in the southern end of the state, where rain is expected Sunday.