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

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

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.

Heavy rain is hitting the Bay Area and coastal areas this week as an atmospheric river moves through Northern California.

Downtown San Francisco was drier, but it still had a big day. The area recorded 2.53 inches on Tuesday, its highest daily rain total since 1887 when 2.22 inches fell.

The second atmospheric river in a pair of storms will bring more rain and cooler temperatures to the Los Angeles area.

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.