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

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,

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.

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.