Rainy weather across the U.S. is getting mixed reviews.

On the east coast, seven weather-related deaths are reported. Officials in Columbia, South Carolina, say the rescue calls are too numerous to count.

Officials say it could take weeks, or even months to assess damage to roads and bridges following days of unprecedented, torrential rain.

First responders in the flood rescue business were expecting another busy day Monday. Police in Columbia say emergency crews will continue carrying out rescue operations in the city and in nearby Richland County. Power outages are affecting thousands and numerous roads and bridges around the state are washed out or under water.

Several schools and colleges, including the University of South Carolina, have canceled classes and some businesses plan to remain shut.

“We are at a 1,000-year level of rain,” Gov. Nikki Haley said at an afternoon news conference. “That’s how big this is.”

Meanwhile, rainfall in southern California is being greeted as good news to that drought-stricken region. Rain totals were expected to range from a half-inch in many areas to up to two inches on the south slopes of the San Bernardino Mountains.

Hurricane Joaquin is weakening as it moves past Bermuda and farther out into the Atlantic. After roaring across parts of the Bahamas as a major Category 4 hurricane, Joaquin lost steam as it headed north. The southeastern Bahamas is where aircraft and ships are searching for a U.S. cargo ship with 33 people aboard. It lost power and communications Thursday when it was caught in the hurricane.