Northern California Prepares for Major Atmospheric River Storm

Northern California is preparing for the first major atmospheric river storm of the season, expected to bring significant rainfall and potential flooding starting Wednesday. This system could deliver up to 9 inches of rain in the Russian River watershed and up to 20 inches in mountainous regions by Saturday. The storm is also expected to bring snow to the Sierra Nevada, creating hazardous travel conditions, especially over Donner Pass. High winds and possible flooding are likely, with the National Weather Service issuing flood and high wind watches across the region. The atmospheric river is anticipated to impact areas from the Bay Area to the Oregon border, with rainfall totals varying significantly based on the storm's trajectory. While this rain is crucial for water supplies, there is a significant risk of flooding in already saturated areas.