A potent midweek storm is expected to bring widespread rain, colder temperatures and gusty winds across the Bay Area and portions of the Central Coast beginning Wednesday, forecasters said Tuesday.

Kelp once formed “underwater rainforests” on the California coast, but these fragile ecosystems have largely disappeared. At a marine lab near the Bay Area, scientists are trying to bring them back.

Rain, wind, and Sierra snow move into the region Wednesday night, but the heaviest precipitation is forecast for Thursday.

Experience the nostalgic charm of Half Moon Bay, a coastal California town that perfectly captures the spirit of Americana and small-town magic.

Rain was falling over parts of the Pacific Northwest and Northern California on Tuesday afternoon, and wet, windy weather was expected to spread across the region overnight and continue through Wednesday, even until Friday in some locations.

Northern California is the birthplace of many significant inventions, including the popsicle, Apple Computer, and the Martini.