California drought: state gets much-needed snow and rain ahead of winter

Sierra Nevada peaks get a foot of snow as low-lying streets are hit by surging waves: 'This is the kind of storm we've been missing for the last four years'

In an encouraging prelude to winter, California got a heavy dose of snow and rain that the drought-stricken state badly needed, and the wet weather may not be done yet.

While ski resorts rejoiced at the deep snows they were seeing, on the coast rain and wind gusts prompted high surf warnings and repeated cautions from highway patrol to slow down when driving Friday.