Two dead as ‘bomb cyclone’ brings heavy winds and rain to California

Officials order evacuations in high-risk coastal area in latest in rapid series of atmospheric rivers' to hit state

It has been a deadly and destructive start to the year in California, as a series of severe storms slammed the state this week, toppling trees, submerging streets and sending water cascading into homes and businesses.

The latest storm hit hard on Thursday - a powerful atmospheric river" that brought with it hurricane-force winds and torrents of rain. At least two deaths have been reported in connection with the latest storm, including a child whose home was hit by a falling tree in Sonoma county. By Thursday morning, more than 163,500 people were without power, with little reprieve in sight.