About 15 million people remain under flood watches in California and Nevada as the storm approaches.
“Rainfall totals exceeding 6 inches are possible across portions of central and Northern California through this event,” CNN Meteorologist Haley Brink said Sunday.
Among the hardest-hit areas is Monterey County, where the swollen Pajaro River breached a levee at around midnight Friday.
“This weekend is a very brief respite,” said David King with the National Weather Service. “The weather will turn, expected Monday night.”
President Joe Biden has approved a state of emergency declaration requested by Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Melting snowpack will play a role in prolonging flooding over the upcoming days, forecasters said.