DISASTERS

Rivers rise as massive storm moves into Northern California

Associated Press
Published | Updated

A van drives through flooded water on Green Valley Road in Graton, Calif., Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017. On the California coast, weather forecasters anticipate a storm surge from the Pacific called an atmospheric river to dump several inches of rain from Sonoma to Monterey counties, and up to a foot in isolated places in the Santa Cruz mountains. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) (The Associated Press)

Gracie McKeowen carries her dog Rocky as she walks in the rain in Guerneville, Calif., Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017. On the California coast, weather forecasters anticipate a storm surge from the Pacific called an atmospheric river to dump several inches of rain from Sonoma to Monterey counties, and up to a foot in isolated places in the Santa Cruz mountains. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) (The Associated Press)

A man walks in the rain past a covered storefront in San Anselmo, Calif., Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017. On the California coast, weather forecasters anticipate a storm surge from the Pacific called an atmospheric river to dump several inches of rain from Sonoma to Monterey counties, and up to a foot in isolated places in the Santa Cruz mountains. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) (The Associated Press)

Rivers are rising and winds are whipping up in Northern California as a massive storm arrives that could be the biggest to slam the region in more than a decade.

Forecasters warned Sunday of heavy rain that could down trees and trigger mudslides. Several feet of snow is predicted in the Sierra Nevada.

Residents readied sand bags, preparing for the storm expected to reach full force late Sunday.

Officials reported scattered flooding, including a washed out road that required the rescue of two people. Swift water teams performed rescues at a Marin County mobile home park. Authorities are watching rising water levels of several rivers, including the Cosumnes, Truckee, Merced, American and Russian.

Officials say the storm could pack the same force as one that hit in 2005, causing $300 million in damage.