Much Needed rain comes to Bay Area

It took its time showing up, but when the winter's biggest storm finally eased itself onto shore early Sunday, there was no mistaking its arrival.

Inches of rain joined the wind that had been howling all night, providing sustenance for the region's water table. Power outage calls poured into Pacific Gas & Electric. Snow dusted some of the peaks ringing the valley while parts of the Sierra Nevada enjoyed nearly a foot of powder.

And water watchers around the state — which is teetering on a third straight year of drought conditions — couldn't be happier.