Storm to bring rain, dangerous surf to Bay Area and more than a foot of snow to the Sierra

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Rain is expected to return to the region Friday, bringing potentially dangerous surf along the coast and the first accumulating snowstorm of the season to the Sierra.

ABC7 Eyewitness News meteorologist Drew Tuma says the storm is currently rated a Level 1, though it could be upgraded to a Level 2 as new information becomes available.

Many cities are likely to receive about a half-inch of rain, with higher amounts expected in the North Bay and Santa Cruz Mountains.

Dangerous surf is also expected to develop along the coast Friday and continue into Saturday. Waves could exceed 20 feet.

In the Sierra, the system is expected to produce the first accumulating snowstorm of the season. Snowfall totals could reach 6 to 12 inches at lake level, with more than 18 inches possible at the highest peaks.