Latest: Some California schools close during heavy storms

Marin County Office of Education Assistant Superintendent Ken Lippi says 40 of the 80 public schools closed Thursday, impacting roughly 16,000 students.

The Marin County Office of Emergency Services and the National Weather Service indicate that severe rain and winds, coupled with high tide, are expected through the morning, causing traffic gridlock, flash flood warnings and the potential for landslides.

The strongest of this week's drenching storms has moved ashore in Northern California, raising the risk of flooding and mudslides in the region of already soggy hillsides and swollen rivers.