At the end of 2022, a deadly winter storm swept across the U.S. leaving dozens dead and making international headlines. Now as 2023 begins, there is more newsmaking American weather: heavy rains and powerful winds are pounding the state of California, toppling trees, causing flash floods, rock slides and massive blackouts. At least two people have been killed, including a toddler who died when a tree fell on his home.

AFP photographer Josh Edelson captured from above a submerged road near the town of Sebastopol where rescue teams worked to evacuate residents.