1st winter storm hits California

The first winter storm of the season delivered snow to the Sierra Mountains and heavy rains to California's Sacramento Valley, meteorologists said. Downtown Sacramento recorded slightly less than an inch of rain with a slightly higher amount falling in the city's northeast suburbs, The Sacramento (Calif.) Bee reported Tuesday. The storm triggered several funnel clouds and tornadoes from Elk Grove to Yuba City further north. Law enforcement agencies in Elk Grove confirmed a tornado or funnel cloud damaged at least three buildings and downed several trees shortly before 5 p.m. PDT Monday. Earlier, witnesses said two tornadoes touched down in Sutter County damaging trees and causing structural damage to at least one commercial building. Thousands who lost power because of the storm had their electricity restored by Monday evening. The California Highway Patrol said dozens of collisions and spinouts occurred because of the storm. Weather service forecaster Karl Swanberg said showery conditions were expected to continue through Wednesday.