A strong atmospheric river storm is headed for Northern California this week, bringing heavy rain, mountain snow, high winds and the potential for flooding.

According to the National Weather Service, this incoming storm could be one of the first big systems of the season.

Meteorologists say storm amounts of rainfall could reach 21 inches in parts of California, causing serious risk of flooding.

The first atmospheric river event of the water year is forecast to bring heavy rain and mountain snow to the West Coast this week. This will likely impact parts of Northern California starting on Wednesday.