An atmospheric river is forecast to bring gusty winds, heavy rain and possible flooding to parts of western Washington.

A pair of atmospheric rivers will spread rounds of rain and snow over the next several days. A pair of potent storm systems known as atmospheric rivers are spreading rounds of rain and snow across the Pacific Northwest and Northern California over the next several days.

In the northern hemisphere, atmospheric rivers typically occur during winter and are often cited for strong storms in the West. According to NASA, they are the largest transport mechanisms of fresh water on Earth.

Another potent Pacific storm system is bringing strong winds, heavy rains and even a slight potential for severe storms to parts of the Northwest.