An atmospheric river that dumped rain on California most of the week was easing Friday as New York City and other parts of the Northeast could get nearly a foot of snow.

A strong storm system that brought relentless winds, rain and snowfall to California this week was expected to ease Friday but there was still a risk of more mudslides and flooding, forecasters said.

WRIGHTWOOD, Calif. -- A strong storm system that brought relentless winds, rain and snowfall to California this week was expected to ease Friday, but there was still a risk of high surf along the coast, flash flooding near Los Angeles and avalanches in the Sierra Nevada.

More than 122 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles for Christmas and New Year's holidays this year.

The potential for flooding remains high because parts of the ground remain heavily saturated. Weather officials warn that rainfall will quickly turn into runoff.

Officials in Los Angeles and surrounding counties warned that the giant holiday storm could trigger "widespread flash flooding."

A powerful storm carrying a strong atmospheric river laid siege to California over the last several days — setting records in parts of the state — with evacuations orders still ongoing Thursday because of the risk of life-threatening flooding and debris flows.

Heavy rain dropped visibility for drivers early Wednesday in Orange County, California, as a powerful storm with the potential for life-threatening flash flooding moved onshore.