A powerful atmospheric river storm is bringing rain Friday to much of California, resulting in a flood watch for three counties down south and strong winds to the Bay Area. In Southern California, a flash flood watch will be in effect from 7 a.m. Friday through Saturday morning for Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles counties, according to the National Weather Service. The weather service has issued a high wind warning for parts of the Bay Area and Central Coast, including the Monterey Bay area.