Severe Cross-Country Storm Triggers Evacuations and Threatens Millions

A powerful atmospheric river storm is bringing heavy rain, snow, and extreme weather risks from California to the eastern United States this week.

California faces evacuation orders and warnings due to flooding and debris flow risks, particularly in areas recently affected by wildfires like the Palisades and Eaton burn scars.
The storm is expected to deliver heavy rain, mountain snow, and strong winds across California, with significant impacts on travel in the Sierra Nevada and Bay Area regions.
As the system moves eastward, it will intensify, creating conditions for severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and fire risks across the Plains and Mississippi Valley.
The central U.S. is under high wind advisories, with gusts exceeding 65 mph anticipated, raising concerns about widespread power outages and wind-driven wildfires.
The storm will culminate in blizzard conditions and severe weather across parts of the Midwest and Southeast, with dangerous nighttime tornadoes posing heightened risks.