With the river in freefall, federal officials plan to intervene, possibly imposing large cuts to water usage in seven states. Effects would be felt beyond the West.

NOAA warned of a rare high-risk level for excessive rainfall that could cause flash flooding in a stretch from eastern Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle on Thursday.

Expected extreme weather combined with high fuel and fertilizer prices triggered by the war could cause severe food shortages around the world this year, experts say.