A series of storms fueled by a strong atmospheric river is taking aim at the Bay Area and Northern California, intensified by a so-called "bomb cyclone" that promises heavy rain and potential flooding.

The first atmospheric river storm of the season is forecast to slam into Northern California starting Wednesday, a powerful system expected to bring the rainiest weather to the Bay Area in nearly nine months.

An atmospheric river may be approaching Northern California, bringing heavy rain, the National Weather Service said Sunday.

A powerful winter storm brewing near the Pacific Northwest is forecast to bring damaging gusts, feet of mountain snow and heavy rain to parts of Central California and the Bay Are

The first notable atmospheric river of the season is due to impact Northern California this week and could bring heavy rain and flood risk to the Bay Area, according to the National Weather Service. The weather system is due to arrive mid-week with the heaviest impact expected in the North Bay.