A major atmospheric river storm is barreling toward California, raising the specter of damaging landslides and flooding across much of the Southland.

Heavy precipitation is falling mostly in mountain areas. A flood watch in also in effect for the coast of central California, including the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento Valley.

Parts of northern California could see up to a foot of rain, but Phoenix will remain dry and warmer than usual.

The first storm from the tail end of an atmospheric river brought light to moderate rain throughout the Los Angeles area.

After months of extremely dry conditions in Southern California, an atmospheric river storm delivered much-needed rain to a region plagued by wildfires in January.

An atmospheric river event that slammed California this week is expected to subside on Wednesday after causing some flooding, mudslides and major downpours in the northern part of the state. As of Wednesday morning,

A stronger atmospheric river is set to hit Northern California on Monday and then hit L.A. County on Tuesday, aiding hopes of helping end a devastating fire season.

This atmospheric river has brought heavy rain, flooding and strong wind gusts to Northern California. Wind gusts of 87 mph were reported north of San Francisco as well.

Two atmospheric rivers dumped heavy rain from the valley to the Sierra resulting in rises on area waterways. Here's how the rivers are handling the increase flows.