California is currently reeling under the impact of the atmospheric river that has been causing moderate to heavy rains for the past three days. With rainfall totals nearing double digits in the mountains north of Santa Barbara, the state is facing multiple challenges, from flood watches affecting over 35 million people to debris flows and mudslides in various regions.

Numerous roads in Central and Southern California have been closed due to high water, mud, and debris, including iconic routes like the Pacific Coast Highway and Malibu Canyon Road. The threat of additional flooding is expected to persist until Wednesday, with areas between Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo being hit the hardest.

Southern California faces the risk of isolated tornadoes and waterspouts, while high winds in central and northern parts of the state have resulted in power outages for over 10,000 customers. The atmospheric river, driven by deep tropical moisture from near Hawaii and low pressure off Oregon, is set to diminish by Wednesday evening, but active weather conditions are expected to make a return over the weekend.

In terms of precipitation, downtown Los Angeles has already received 11.64 inches of rain this month, making it the fifth wettest February on record. More rain is likely on the way, with the potential for another 2 to 4 inches in the mountains north of Los Angeles. While Central and Northern California are expected to have a break from heavy rains, the Sierra Nevada region is facing heavy snowfall, with snow levels dropping to 6,000 feet and accumulations of up to 2 to 4 feet on high peaks.

Thursday is anticipated to bring calmer weather as the current weather system exits, with another atmospheric river forecasted to arrive late Sunday. The state remains on high alert as it navigates through these challenging weather conditions.