bracing for the worst. it's a giant storm, and we're live in the middle of it in just moments. >> we begin in southern california where an overnight scare about a possible cult suicide turned out to be a false alarm. 13 salvadoran women and children who had been the subject of an intense manhunt were found today safe and unharmed. in fact, they were praying in a public part in palmdale unaware police were even looking for them. cnn's thelma guite reds has been sorting out the facts. thelma? >> reporter: don, the group of 13 including eight children and five adults were found right here at this park. they were signature on the grass in the midst of a prayer session. in fact, can you see their bibles just right over there. they were in the midst of praying, say authorities. completely unaware that there was a statewide manhunt out for them. it was officiated yesterday when two of the spouses went into the sheriff's station and said they were concerned about their wives