The flood risk is increasing for California this week as rain and heavy snow moves in

A major rain event is taking shape for California later this week. While this rain is beneficial, flash flooding and landslides are concerns as heavy downpours move in.

A potent system will bring periods of heavy rain and the threat of flash flooding to California as we head into the remainder of the week. The WeatherRadar has been active this week, and a lingering frontal boundary is still producing light to moderate rain across the northern half of the Golden State. This system will bring an additional inch along the coast and 1-2 inches of rain in the higher elevations through this evening.

While flash flooding is not expected to be a major issue Tuesday, it can't be ruled out along California's coastline where a marginal risk of excessive rainfall, a level one out of four, stretches from Santa Barbara, Calif., north to the Oregon state line. Mountain snow has also prompted winter storm warnings above 8,000 feet in the Sierra, where up to two feet of snow may fall among the highest elevations through Thursday morning. Road closures are likely along mountain passes.

While this first round of rain brought beneficial rain totals, the next system to push in will be packed with even more moisture. As our next storm system spins off the southern coast of California, the WeatherRadar shows rain ramping up along the central and southern California coastline Wednesday evening and Wednesday night. A slight risk of excessive rainfall, a level two out of four, extends from San Luis Obispo to the Los Angeles metro, on Wednesday.

The heaviest and steadiest rain around Los Angeles is likely from Thursday to Thursday night. San Diego will see its highest rain totals from Thursday night to Friday. A few thunderstorms may also be in the mix and could produce heavy downpours. Rainfall totals are forecast to be around 5-8 inches by Friday morning in the mountains, with isolated higher amounts. Around 2-4 inches are likely across the coast and valleys of Southern California, including the Los Angeles metro.

Thursday brings a moderate risk of excessive rain, a level three out of four, for Santa Barbara and Oxnard, Calif., as well as Los Angeles. Flash flooding and landslides will be major concerns. In addition, gusty winds will impact motorists. Wind gusts will reach 30-50 mph during the peak of the storm, with isolated gusts to 60 mph, especially over the mountains. Keep an eye on the WindRadar.

Keep up with the latest updates as Weather & Radar's expert meteorologists monitor this powerful storm system.