"California on High Alert for Potentially Devastating Weekend Atmospheric River"

California is bracing for a stronger and longer-lasting atmospheric river event this weekend, with nearly 40 million people under flood watches and warnings for flash flooding, mudslides, damaging winds, and heavy mountain snow. The storm is expected to bring unprecedented amounts of rain across a widespread area, with concerns about excessive rainfall, potential landslides, and debris flows. Evacuation orders have been issued in some communities, and residents are urged to take precautions and stay informed. The storm is also likely to cause high winds, power outages, and significant snowfall, with major travel impacts expected in the Sierra region.