Another atmospheric river is drenching the Bay Area as the Level 3 storm brings heavy rain and damaging winds Thursday morning.

The Bay Area and Monterey Bay was being pounded by heavy rain and strong winds as an atmospheric river storm passed through the region Thursday.

Air and road travelers will confront weather delays in the West, including California, as a potent atmospheric river storm slams the region.

The National Weather Service warned that an atmospheric river is expected to bring strong winds, moderate to heavy rain, and a small chance of thunderstorms across the Bay Area beginning late Wednesday and lasting through Thursday.

Rain drops fell into puddles Thursday, sending smalls bits of splashes everywhere. Cars dripped as if slammed by a carwash. And that was in the East Bay, the area where an anticipated atmospheric river storm showed the lesser version of its force as it hit the region.

A strong atmospheric river moving inland Wednesday night through Friday will bring widespread rain, mountain snow, and gusty winds across California.

Portions of Northern California are bracing for a powerful atmospheric river storm beginning Tuesday night, with forecasters warning that the system is expected to be more disruptive due to its intense winds than its rainfall.

In addition to rain, the storm is expected to bring strong winds, with gusts reaching 45 to 55 mph along the coasts and up to 60 mph at higher elevations. Gass said a wind advisory could be issued on Tuesday ahead of the storm.