As of midafternoon, rain had picked up in some areas, and Caltrans crews were working at many locations to clear debris from roads and reduce flooding.

The upcoming storm is likely to pose a higher risk for mudslides, debris flows and flooding than the rainfall this past week.

Officials in California distributed sandbags, prepositioned rescue swimmers and told residents to have their go-bags ready as the state prepares for an atmospheric river that could bring heavy rain, winds and flooding Thursday to areas ravaged by wildfires.