Fast-Moving Atmospheric River Set to Soak California

California is bracing for a fast-moving atmospheric river that is expected to bring considerable rainfall across the state, starting from the northern regions and moving southward. According to Bob Oravec, a senior branch forecaster at the US Weather Prediction Center, the storm is anticipated to deliver 3 to 6 inches of rain in northwest California and 1.5 to 2 inches in the central and southern parts. Despite its intensity, the storm’s quick movement, lasting about 6 hours in most areas, will limit the total rainfall, reducing the risk of extreme precipitation.

The National Weather Service warns of potential landslides and flooding, especially given the already saturated conditions from previous storms. Areas like Sonoma and Santa Cruz counties are at particular risk due to rapidly rising creeks and streams. The San Francisco Bay area faces a threat of mudslides, and power outages are a possibility as the storm progresses.

In the Sacramento area, meteorologist Jeffrey Wood anticipates the rain to start late Tuesday and continue through Friday, possibly totaling up to 2 inches. Rivers in this region will be closely monitored. As the system shifts south on Thursday, it will eventually bring heavy rain to Southern California and later move east, impacting Texas and parts of the South over the weekend. These regions have already experienced flooding from recent storms, compounding the risk of additional heavy rainfall.