A powerful atmospheric river storm is pounding parts of California with torrential rain, strong winds and snow and leading to issues from San Francisco to Los Angeles, including areas recently impacted by deadly wildfires.

A powerful storm dropping drenching rain on flood-prone Southern California is raising concern among forecasters that it could produce a dangerous, widespread outbreak of tornadoes, damaging winds and fires along with a blizzard as it crosses the entire United States in the coming days.

Evacuation warnings and orders have been issued for Los Angeles communities near the Eaton, Palisades and Sunset fire burn zones ahead of the rain.