California atmospheric river threatens flooding in areas still reeling from fires

A couple walks on the edge of the Los Angeles River in February as an atmospheric rivers batters the city. Photograph: Damian Dovarganes/AP

The US west coast is facing an atmospheric river event threatening flooding and power outages due to heavy rain and snow, with more than 20 million people in southern California under flood watches.

Evacuation warnings were issued by fire officials in the Pacific Palisades, Altadena and Pasadena areas, which were affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires in January.