The potential for flooding remains high because parts of the ground remain heavily saturated. Weather officials warn that rainfall will quickly turn into runoff.

Officials in Los Angeles and surrounding counties warned that the giant holiday storm could trigger "widespread flash flooding."

Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on Wednesday as heavy rain, gusty winds and flooding prompted evacuations across multiple counties including Los Angeles. The National Weather Service (NWS) also issued warnings for winter storms,

The authorities said some residents had resisted leaving their homes on the holidays, but forecasters warned the storm could be deadly, especially where burn scars from this year’s fires remain.

Heavy rain dropped visibility for drivers early Wednesday in Orange County, California, as a powerful storm with the potential for life-threatening flash flooding moved onshore.

This year is expected to be the busiest on record for holiday travel, but rough weather can make getting to your Christmas destination even harder.As a life-threatening storm heads to California, here's a look at the Christmas week weather forecast:TuesdaySnow is falling in the Northeast on Tuesday.

An emphasis has been placed on burn scar areas that are more susceptible to flooding, mudslides and debris flows.

A strong atmospheric river is moving across Southern California, bring heavy rain and threatening mudslides in recent burn scar areas.