A powerful March storm has been lashing the West Coast and shifting southward –– posing a particular threat to communities scorched by the deadly Los Angeles wildfires from the start of the year.

Heavy rain pounded the Los Angeles area early Thursday, bringing a threat of flooding and debris flows to spots impacted by wildfires.

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.