US weather forecast: California braces for heavy rains, storm, likely floods

Floods hit parts of the Northwestern United States after heavy rains. Flood and gale warnings are in place across many coastal areas.

Some properties, roads and fields were seen deep in water in images and videos posted on social media and by local news outlets.

Residents are urged to avoid driving unless absolutely necessary in either weather conditions.

A winter storm brought more than a half a foot (15 cm) in snow in the eastern parts of the country, closing schools, offices and busy roads.

Federal government offices in Washington were closed, and dozens of school districts across the eastern half of the country canceled classes due to the snow and bitter cold.

About 10 million people are under wind chill advisories in parts of North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin, where wind chills are expected to plummet to -25 to -40 degrees.

More than 50,000 customers along the west Coast did not have a electricity whilst Virginia is the worst-hit state in east.

There was a level 2 out of 5 risk for severe storms in Mississippi and Alabama. Flooding could also be an issue for parts of the Gulf Coast, with some areas expected to get 2 to 3 inches of rain.

Around 2,600 flights to, from and within the United States were canceled, with Covid-19 restrictions also affecting airlines.