Valley misses out on fall storm

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The first storm of the fall season did not hit the Central Valley but many people were excited about the start of the rainy season.

Bone dry California got a good dousing in cities like San Jose and Sacramento.

Sarge Green of the California Water Institute at Fresno State said we may eventually benefit if the rains slowed the water loss in reservoirs in the northern part of the state.

Green said, "It's kind of a bellwether for what kind of season we're going to have. We don't know but it's certainly a good start."

A steady breeze at least let you know change was in the air in the Valley. Some leaves were starting to change color.

Carol and Norman McAdams enjoyed the cooler conditions but know the pretty, puffy clouds won't bring us any rain.

Norman said, "I'd like to see some rain sure but it probably won't happen."

Carol added, "I was born here and it's record we'd like to break. No one's more optimistic than I am but we'll find out."

Green was just as optimistic. Most of the state has faced exceptional drought conditions throughout the summer. Several storms were needed just to get us back to normal this year.

Green said, "We have somewhere between 8 and 10 storms that generally affect our area so if they all hit it will be an above average year hopefully but if we only get two or three then we'll be looking at another dry year."

Green said it's more important the storms build up the mountain snowpack rather than just bring rain.