Officials in California distributed sandbags, prepositioned rescue swimmers and told residents to have their go-bags ready as the state prepares for an atmospheric river that could bring heavy rain, winds and flooding to areas recently ravaged by wildfires. Meanwhile, Portland, Oregon, coated its streets with 2,000 gallons of liquid anti-icer while officials in Oregon and Idaho opened emergency shelters to prepare for a punishing mix of snow and ice starting Thursday. The National Weather Service says Southern California could see as much as 6 inches of rain in the mountains and 3 inches in coastal areas and valleys. Strong wind gusts could down trees and cause power outages.
