A powerful storm is dropping drenching rain on flood-prone Southern California and heavy snow on the state’s mountains. It’s the first act of a storm that will unleash a severe thunderstorm outbreak,

Wind gusts were forecast to top 50 mph in some areas. In Pico Rivera, a tornado with wind speeds reaching 85 mph traveled about a mile through a residential area of the city.

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