Incoming heavy rain from an atmospheric river-fueled storm that slammed into the West Coast early Wednesday is threatening mudslides and debris flows in Southern California and has already prompted evacuations in the Los Angeles area.

California braced for the arrival of a massive storm on Wednesday, evacuating residents in areas at risk of mudslides and debris flows.

The storm, which forecasters said could produce tornadoes, is expected to strengthen Friday and move towards the central US.

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.

The strongest wave of a powerful winter storm reached Southern California overnight, bringing flash flood warnings, dropping snow levels and a possible tornado. Team storm coverage on.

The strongest wave of a powerful winter storm reached Southern California overnight, bringing flash flood warnings, dropping snow levels and a possible tornado. The heaviest rain was dumped during the early morning hours with rates near 1 inch per hour at times prompting officials to issue a flash flood warning for the Airport Fire burn