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.

A strong storm system is expected to “blast through” Los Angeles and Orange County tonight, bringing a heavy dose of rain over a short period of time and prompting evacuation orders, flood warnings and road closures.

A storm soaking the state on Wednesday and Thursday is bringing new danger to the area hit by wildfires earlier this year.

A flood watch remains in effect Thursday for parts of Southern California as the region experiences rainfall and flooding conditions.