The second of three atmospheric rivers is battering the West, bringing prolific mountain snows and soaking rains in the lower elevations and driving the risk of flooding and avalanches. Yet another in the recent series of storms will approach Northern California late in the week.

"We do have a Flood Watch in effect across the area from this afternoon to late Tuesday night," Kurth said. "Much of the Sacramento area will be relatively dry early and then we'll see precipitation spreading from north to south through the day. So, afternoon and especially tonight we'll see some of that moderate to heavy rain."

A stronger atmospheric river is set to hit Northern California on Monday and then hit Los Angeles County on Tuesday, aiding hopes of a more definitive end to a devastating fire weather season for Southern California.