A powerful March storm has been lashing the West Coast with heavy rainfall, gusty winds and snowfall in the mountains –– shifting southward and posing a particular threat to communities scorched by the deadly Los Angeles wildfires from the start of the year.

Southern California, which was scorched by wildfires in January, was hit by more extreme weather. A rare tornado touched down in Pico Rivera, which is in the L.A. area. Meanwhile, in Riverside County,

Several areas in Southern California could have scattered showers throughout the day, but the potential for "damaging flooding" will not increase until the evening to overnight hours.

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