Storm capsizes barge in San Francisco Bay

Authorities are trying to prevent an oil spill from a barge that sank in San Francisco Bay during a storm that also knocked out power to thousands and threatened homes in Oakland.

Crews have boomed off the area and the owner plans to have salvage divers raise the barge.

The Mammoth Mountain ski resort in California's eastern Sierra Nevada reported early Friday that up to 26 inches (66 centimeters) of snow fell overnight, with more expected over the next day or two.

The National Weather Service says the region north of Los Angeles was being swept by strong southwest winds with gusts up to 60 mph (97 kph) along U.S. 395 and up to 125 mph (201 kph) on higher mountain peaks.

Officials say heavy rains and high gusts of wind softened already saturated grounds and caused a landslide in the Oakland hills.

The storm, expected to bring most of its moisture early Friday, brought howling winds to the top of the Sierra Nevada on Thursday as it headed in from the Pacific Ocean.

Up to 4 feet (1 meter) of snow was possible along the Sierra Crest and at Mammoth Mountain, the popular ski resort where more than 45 feet (14 meters) of snow has been recorded this season at the main lodge.