Severe summer weather grips U.S. coast to coast

A wave of extreme weather is sweeping across the U.S., bringing deadly flash floods to the South, raging wildfires in the West, and choking smoke to cities in the East and Midwest.

(CNN)- A wave of extreme weather is sweeping across the U.S., bringing deadly flash floods to the South, raging wildfires in the West, and choking smoke to cities in the East and Midwest.

In Alabama, heavy downpours turned fatal when a vehicle was swept off a flooded roadway, killing one person. The state, along with parts of Georgia and Florida, is bracing for even more rain — with forecasts calling for up to half a foot or more in some areas.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the country, wildfires are burning out of control. The Gifford Fire in Central California has grown rapidly to around 40,000 acres and remains just 5% contained. At least three people have been injured, and ranchers are rushing to protect livestock as fast-moving flames consume pastures.

“It smoked us completely, as you can see,” said rancher Joseph Sill. “It’s brutal.”

Evacuation orders and states of emergency have been issued in parts of California, Utah, and Arizona. Maps show wildfire smoke stretching across multiple western states — but the air quality crisis isn’t staying there.

Canada’s ongoing wildfires are sending thick smoke into the U.S., blanketing the eastern half of the country in haze. Social media users are posting videos of foggy, orange-tinted skies from the Midwest to New England.

In Minnesota, an air quality alert is in effect for an unprecedented full week — the longest in state history.

In Chicago, Cubs fans and Lollapalooza attendees are venturing outdoors despite the city recently recording the worst air quality in the world, prompting health officials to label conditions “officially dangerous.”