A series of storms fueled by a strong atmospheric river is taking aim at the Bay Area and Northern California, intensified by a so-called "bomb cyclone" that promises heavy rain and potential flooding.

Higher elevation communities in the North Bay will likely see the most rain. Up to 10 inches could fall at higher elevation between now and Friday, according to the National Weather Service. As that water makes its way down the mountains, creeks and streams may break their banks.

A bomb cyclone occurs when cold and warm air collide over the ocean, dropping the pressure at a rapid rate and creating intense weather. On the East Coast, that can mean vast quantities of snow. Here on the West Coast, it can usher in buckets of rain.