Winter storm hits the coast

CRESCENT CITY, Calif.— High winds and heavy rain pound coastal towns after weeks of dry weather.

The first storm of the winter season hit the Oregon and California Coasts Wednesday morning.

"It's windy and raining everywhere and blowing in every direction," Crescent City resident Jessica Hurd said.

In Crescent City, 70 mph winds uprooted some trees and constant rain flooded some areas. Hurd was worried about getting to school safely.

"This is my first time driving in the winter, so it's kind of scary,” she said.

Rain poured for hours, but it did not stop resident Clark Nauss from grocery shopping. He says the storm came out of nowhere.

“The weather has been nice,” he said.

Rain and wind also ripped through Brookings, Ore. Residents say storms are common, but they have not had strong winds like this in years.

"We usually have a good one come through every year, but this one with the wind -- it's pretty good,” Brookings resident Dwayne Rufener said.

The storm is overdue and he has been waiting for his chance to storm watch at the Brookings Harbor, he said. Dozens of other people also joined in.

"I’m watching the water, watching the wind and enjoying this beautiful day,” he said.

The streets in both cities were clear and there were no major accidents.

Residents are not worried about the storm.