Atmospheric rivers dumped heavy rains on large parts of California, causing floods and mudslides and leaving three dead as of Christmas night, according to local officials.
The storms - which were expected to continue through Friday - brought 11 inches (27 cms) of rainfall to some parts of Los Angeles County, prompted evacuations, and shut down major roads.
Emergency responders have had to perform several rescues, including people stuck in vehicles as flood waters rise. California's Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on Wednesday in Los Angeles and other southern California counties.
About 100,000 people in the state were without power as of Thursday evening.
The US Weather Prediction Center said on Thursday that Numerous flash flooding events are possible and warned that many streams may flood, potentially affecting larger rivers.
A 64-year-old man from San Diego was killed on Wednesday morning by a falling tree, as reported by the police department. Another person, a 74-year-old, died from flood waters over the weekend as emergency responders attempted to rescue him from his vehicle in Redding. Additionally, a woman in her 70s died after being swept into the ocean by a large wave at MacKerricher State Park.
Evacuation warnings were in effect for some residents of San Bernardino County, and flash flood warnings were issued for those in the San Francisco Bay area. Wind speeds in the Bay Area reached over 100 mph.
As the holiday travel week continues, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has also declared an emergency, advising residents to be cautious on the roads.
