A series of storms is set to move across the US this week, and some of them could help bring much needed relief to areas experiencing drought.

A powerful winter storm is set to blast portions of the U.S. with accumulating snow, cold temperatures, strong winds and rain just as millions of people across the country prepare to travel early for Thanksgiving.

With millions of people preparing to travel for the Thanksgiving holiday, two strong storm systems are forecast to bring snow, wind and rain across a large swath of the United States this week.

The first atmospheric river storm of the season is forecast to slam into Northern California starting Wednesday, a powerful system expected to bring the rainiest weather to the Bay Area in nearly nine months.

The first notable atmospheric river of the season is due to impact Northern California this week and could bring heavy rain and flood risk to the Bay Area, according to the National Weather Service. The weather system is due to arrive mid-week with the heaviest impact expected in the North Bay.

A freeze warning is in effect for the Sacramento Valley between 10 p.m. Monday and 10 a.m. Tuesday. Rain is expected to fall between Tuesday and Saturday.