Californians brace for a series of storms this week

The first of a series of rainstorms has hit California, bringing rain, snow and potential flooding to the drought-parched state this week.

The National Weather Service says light rain began falling north of San Francisco on Sunday before picking up strength and covering the rest of the state.

Forecasters say a second, stronger storm is expected to arrive Monday night and Tuesday morning could produce heavy rain and strong winds. At least two more storms are expected to follow on Wednesday and Thursday.

Persistent rainy conditions could put some Los Angeles County communities at risk of flash flooding with mud and debris flows, especially in wildfire burn areas. Officials are urging residents to prepare for the downpour. They’re trying to get homeless people off the streets before the storms hit.