The series of Pacific storms that have brought flooding rains to Southern California have been produced by "cut-off lows," not energized and driven by the jet stream. As a result, they have meandered eastward, devoid of powerful winds or strong thunderstorms.
Currently, one of these storms is centered over Kansas and its counterclockwise winds are pulling up moisture from the Gulf of Mexico. A band of steady rain stretches across Missouri, eastern Kansas and eastern Nebraska, a welcome development for this drought-plagued region.
Meanwhile, another cut-off low is spinning off Southern California, sweeping more rain into that water-logged area. Unless and until an atmospheric trough drops southward to boost its energy, it will likely arrive here by mid week. We'll take whatever moisture it brings.
