Death toll in California mudslides rises to 18

California's 4th District Congressman Mike Thompson has been chosen to serve as the Democratic Party's designated survivor during the address, a longstanding security precaution aimed at ensuring continuity of government in the event of a catastrophic attack on the Capitol.

The fatalities in Mozambique were reported on Saturday, a day after the cyclone swept through Madagascar, where at least 41 people were killed and widespread destruction was recorded across the island.

There was widespread flooding due to the storm, which, according to the country's weather bureau bulletin at 11 am (local time) today, weakened into a tropical depression, packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the centre and gustiness of up to 70 kph.

According to CNN, forecast models as of Wednesday indicate that the storm will form off the coast of the Carolinas early Saturday and strengthen rapidly enough to meet the criteria for a bomb cyclone. However, uncertainty remains over its exact track and intensity, which will determine which regions experience snow, strong winds or coastal impacts.

The cold spell is forecast to continue throughout the week, with conditions potentially peaking on Friday. Weather models also suggest that another round of snowfall could arrive over the weekend. For several days, forecasts have consistently indicated the possibility of a storm developing along the Southeast or Mid-Atlantic coastline, with the potential to become significant.