The storm is expected to dump 1 to 2 inches of rain along the coast and up to 4 inches in the valleys at rates that could cause problems. Some roads will be closed starting Wednesday.

A powerful atmospheric river storm is pounding parts of California with torrential rain, strong winds and snow and leading to issues from San Francisco to Los Angeles, including areas recently impacted by deadly wildfires.

Thunderstorms and snow are likely to prelude a weather switch-up, as an atmospheric river may be arriving next week.

California braced for the arrival of a massive storm on Wednesday, evacuating residents in areas at risk of mudslides and debris flows.

The first storm, said Scott Kleebauer, a meteorologist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's weather prediction center, "is kind of meandering off the Southern California coast, and will slowly be pushing inland by later this afternoon and this evening.

An atmospheric river will likely deliver more rain to the Coachella Valley beginning Wednesday, but totals could be negligible further inland.