California soaked by 'atmospheric river' storm that kills child

A local resident crosses a street as rainstorms hit the city of San Francisco, in California, U.S., January 4, 2023. REUTERS/Carlos Barria

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Reuters) -A massive storm unleashed high winds and torrential rains across California on Thursday, threatening much of the state with flash flooding and mudslides, leaving a child dead and knocking out power to tens of thousands.

The "atmospheric river"- an airborne current of dense moisture flowing from the ocean - was expected to persist, drenching much of California with heavy rains at a rate of 1 inch (2.5 cm) per hour, the National Weather Service (NWS) said, with dangerous, gale-force gusts forecast throughout the day.