The same storm system driving severe weather elsewhere in the country this week is fueling one of the most widespread and potent rounds of rain in Southern California since the historic January fires.

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.

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 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.