Californians brace for flooding in areas torched by wildfires

Pedestrians cross a snowy street in downtown Kansas City, US as a winter storm passed through the area (Charlie Riedel/AP)

Rain has begun falling in California where an “atmospheric river” is expected to bring heavy downpours, winds and flooding to areas ravaged by wildfires.

Ahead of the storm’s arrival on Thursday, officials distributed sandbags, prepositioned rescue swimmers and told residents to have their go-bags ready.