Southern California was being pounded by a major storm Thursday morning, bringing evacuation warnings and fears of mudslides.

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

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.

With a storm bringing a risk of mudslides and debris flows, some areas of Los Angeles recently burned by wildfires are facing mandatory orders and warnings to evacuate their homes as the region braces for heavy rain and possible flooding.