A powerful storm has hit the West Coast, causing evacuations in California and posing a severe weather threat as it moves east. The storm, fueled by an atmospheric river, began impacting the Pacific Northwest and Northern California with rain and snow early Wednesday (March 12), and is expected to intensify as it progresses across the country.

In Southern California, heavy rain is raising concerns of mudslides and debris flows, particularly in areas recently affected by wildfires. The National Weather Service issued a level 2 of 4 risk for flooding from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles, including the Palisades and Eaton fire areas. The Los Angeles Fire Department has issued evacuation warnings for areas affected by previous wildfires, including Malibu, and road closures are in effect for sections of the Pacific Coast Highway. Evacuation orders are in place for around 120 homes near the Palisades burn scar, while additional orders affect over 1,700 people near Sierra Madre’s Eaton Fire burn scar.

As the storm moves east, it is expected to bring blizzard conditions, severe thunderstorms, and high winds to the central United States by the weekend. The storm could result in one of the most significant severe weather outbreaks of the year, with potential tornadoes, wildfires, and widespread damage.

The storm is expected to strengthen as it moves into the Plains, with severe weather advisories extending from Texas to the Dakotas. The Storm Prediction Center has warned of extreme fire risk in western Texas due to dry and windy conditions. As the storm reaches the Atlantic coast by Sunday, it is likely to bring more severe thunderstorms and flash floods.

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