Forecasters: This week's Storm Set New Records

9 A.M. Sacramento has one more day of drizzling rain before the current storm system breaks Thursday.

The National Weather Service says three-quarters of an inch fell across the region Tuesday. Snow is falling in the Sierra as low as the 4,000 foot elevation.

Since July 1st, we've seen more than eight inches of rain fall, or 159 percent of normal for this time of year. Despite the steady rain and snow, climate monitors in California say most of the state remains in a state of exceptional drought.

A new storm system will arrive Friday and Saturday.

Forecasters for the National Weather Service say that this week's storm set new records. At Sacramento Executive Airport, 0.99 inches fell Tuesday, beating the prior 24-hour rain record of 0.98 set in 2002. Stockton saw 0.93 inches of rain on Monday, breaking the old record of 0.69 inches set on December 15, 1962. 

-Capital Public Radio Staff, Associated Press

7 A.M. California remains deep in a drought, but a steady string of wet weather is making it look and feel replenished. 

The National Weather Service in Sacramento reports about three quarters of an inch of rain fell Tuesday -- and there's snow around the 4,000-foot level.

Since July 1, more than eight inches of rain has fallen, which is about 159 percent of normal for the Sacramento area.

Forecasters say we can expect a bit of a break Thursday, but a new weather system will move in on Friday.

Meanwhile in Southern Calfiornia, the latest storm hammered Southern California overnight, unleashing heavy rain and triggering a mudslide that blocked a freeway and stranded motorists.

Flash flood warnings are in effect for many areas early Wednesday as the system moves inland. The second of back-to-back storms brought thunderstorms to the greater Los Angeles area and several inches of snow to the mountains.

A torrent of mud and rocks covered part of State Route 91 in Orange County early Wednesday. Cars and trucks were stuck for several hours, but no injuries were reported. The eastbound lanes are expected to be closed until at least 7 a.m.

The storm prompted temporary evacuations in Camarillo Springs, which was hit by mudslides last week. This time, the wildfire-scarred hillsides held above the community about 50 miles northwest of Los Angeles.

-Capital Public Radio Staff, Associated Press