"California Braces for Record-Breaking Rainfall and Life-Threatening Floods"

A powerful Pacific storm system fueled by an atmospheric river is expected to bring life-threatening flash flooding and historic rainfall to southern California from Saturday night through Tuesday morning, with peak rainfall on Sunday and Monday. Widespread 3 to 6 inches of rain is expected in coastal and valley areas, with locally higher amounts, and mountainous areas could see 6 to 12 inches. The storm may break 1-day, 2-day, and monthly rainfall records, with potential for top 10 wettest periods in cities like Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. Flash flooding, landslides, and debris flows are possible, and strong winds, high surf, and heavy snow in the Sierra are also concerns.