Powerful storm batters southern California

A powerful winter storm has hit southern California, bringing persistent rain, high winds and snow in the mountains to parts of the state.

California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for Los Angeles County, as well as Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego and Shasta counties.

Forecasters in the region say this could be the wettest Christmas in years and warn of flash floods, mudslides and debris flows in areas still recovering from last January’s bushfires.

At least one person was killed in an “apparent weather-related accident” amid heavy rain in Sacramento County, according to the California Highway Patrol.