What severe weather conditions are affecting different regions of the United States this weekend, and how should residents prepare for these weather threats?

A major multi-day weather system is bringing dangerous conditions across multiple U.S. regions this weekend. California is experiencing ongoing flood alerts and mudslides from recent torrential rains, with lingering showers and snow in the Sierra mountains gradually improving throughout Friday. Meanwhile, a powerful storm system is intensifying across the Plains and will impact 35 million people in the Great Lakes and Northeast regions. This system threatens to deliver heavy snow (4-6 inches, up to a foot in some areas), dangerous ice accumulation up to a quarter inch, and severe thunderstorms with potential tornadoes across the South. The multi-threat event extends through Sunday, creating hazardous travel conditions and flash flooding risks from the Tennessee Valley to Ohio Valley. Residents should stay connected to weather alerts, avoid unnecessary travel, and prepare for power outages and dangerous road conditions throughout the weekend.