Storm Watch: A Series of Storms Promises High Winds and Heavy Rains

The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory for the Northern Monterey Bay, beginning at 4 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Wednesday.

Southerly wind gusts from 45 to 55 mph are expected, and could reach up to 70 mph over ridges and along the coast.

These gusts, caused by the "first strong cold front of the season," will be strong enough to bring down weak trees and branches. In other words, be prepared for possible power outages.

Wind this strong can make driving difficult, warns the NWS, especially if you're driving a "high profile" vehicle. (I think this means "tall".)

The rain isn't predicted to start until 6 or 7 a.m. on Wednesday. Please be careful in your morning commute.

The Weather Channel reports that the storm is heading directly towards Santa Cruz County, with the heaviest rains coming on Sunday.

"The initial storm Wednesday could bring an inch or more of rain at the coast and several inches to mountain areas. By Sunday, when the Monterey Bay area is expected to see the heaviest rainfall, the region will be soaked," said forecaster Bob Benjamin of the National Weather Service in Monterey.

NOAA also warns that individual wave height will be twice the significant wave height.

The storm is the first big storm of the winter, and it's actually a "series of storms", according to NOAA:

"A series of storms have lined up in the Pacific, all heading towards the Western U.S. coast. Heavy winds and rains are expected over the next week as these systems move inland. Up to a foot of precipitation is expected in Northern California."

All this after a beautiful Thanksgiving day and warm, sunny weekend?!

Who is excited for the storm? Tell us in the comments.