Raindrops falling on soggy Southern California

The first of a one-two punch of much-needed moisture has arrived in Southern California, bringing light rain to the area after unleashing downpours in the northern part of the state.

A cold front brought an intermittent drizzle to the greater Los Angeles area before dawn Tuesday.

The National Weather Service says a second storm expected to arrive later in the day will pack the heaviest showers. Between one and 2 inches of rain is expected at higher elevations.

The storms triggered fresh fears of mudslides in foothill neighborhoods beneath wildfire-scarred mountain areas.

A high-surf advisory is in effect along the Los Angeles County coast until 3 p.m. Wednesday.

Up to 2 inches fell Monday in the San Francisco and Sacramento regions, causing minor road flooding and scattered power outages.