Axios

Storms associated with atmospheric rivers have dumped record amounts of rain and snow in California this winter, resulting in flooding and other hazards.

The big picture: Atmospheric rivers direct tropical moisture, often from more than 1,500 miles away, toward the Golden State, where it is wrung out in the form of heavy precipitation.

A powerful atmospheric river storm brought heavy rain, snow and floods to Northern and Central California over the weekend.

The big picture: The current system is the latest in a series of storms that have battered the Golden State this year. Another significant atmospheric river event is likely to hit the region beginning Monday.

At least two storm-related deaths were confirmed by state officials Friday as a powerful atmospheric river storm brought heavy rain and thunderstorms, and left thousands across Northern and Central California without power.

The big picture: The National Weather Service has warned of "copious amounts of heavy snow" in the mountains and potential flooding from a "high risk" of excessive rainfall. It's also increasingly likely that another significant atmospheric river event hitting central and northern California beginning on Monday.