It’s finally raining in California

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Much-needed rain is falling in California, the start of what the parched state hopes is a one-two punch of stormy weather.

A potentially stronger storm moving in late Thursday could bring thunder and dump up to 2 inches of rain in central and southern valleys, 2 to 4 inches in the foothills and up to 6 inches in some mountain spots.

State water officials plan Thursday to survey the anemic mountain snow pack, and will likely find that California's precipitation is badly lagging what's needed to quench the region's thirst.

Suburbs in the Los Angeles foothills are preparing for flash flooding in areas burned by wildfires. Sandbags are being provided in communities along mountain ranges east and west of Los Angeles.

2013 was California's driest year on record.