Powerful storm hits California amid warnings of ‘potentially historic rain’

Atmospheric river' expected to bring record-breaking rainfall, strong winds and to wreak havoc across northern part of state

A powerful storm has roared ashore in California, flooding cities, toppling trees and causing mud flows in areas burned bare by recent fires.

After months of drought, the darkened clouds collecting over the state this weekend were a welcome sight to some. But rather than the much-needed drizzle residents and officials hoped could end a disastrous fire season and dampen dried landscapes, the state got a deluge. Some areas are forecast to see more than 10in (25cm) of rain and thousands across the state have lost power.