A series of powerful Pacific storms will pound the Bay Area and Central Coast through Christmas week, bringing periods of heavy rain, damaging winds, flooding and dangerous surf, forecasters said Monday.

National Weather Service forecasters predict total rainfall of 1-2 inches in coastal and valley areas, with 2-5 inches in the foothills and mountains. Rainfall rates could reach an inch per hour in some local areas. A flood watch is currently in effect for areas south of Point Conception, including much of Los Angeles and Orange counties.

Emergency management agencies across Hawaiʻi are gearing up for potentially dangerous weather as a Kona low is expected to bring heavy rain, flooding, strong winds, and thunderstorms statewide