A fast-moving atmospheric river is heading toward California this week and could pack a punch, threatening periods of heavy rain and possible flooding and debris flows in recently burned areas. After arriving in Northern California on Wednesday, the storm system is expected to land in Southern California on Thursday, where it could remain all the way through Saturday. … The storm could also bring heavy snow to the Sierra Nevada, and meteorologists were already discouraging travel between Thursday morning and Friday morning. Donner Peak could get 12 to 18 inches of snow.

Other atmospheric river news:

• San Francisco Chronicle: Forecast models pull back on Sierra snow as atmospheric river dips south
• KPBS (San Diego): Atmospheric river headed to San Diego County and what it means for the water year
• Ventura County Star (Camarillo, Calif.): Rainstorms, flood risks hit California coast this week
• CBS Los Angeles: “Coldest storm since mid-March” heading toward Southern California with potential flooding, meteorologist says
• The Modesto Bee (Calif.): Atmospheric river to bring rain, snow to Northern California. Here’s when