Much of Southern California is under a flood advisory as rain makes travel dangerous, while a snowstorm heads for the Northeastern U.S.

Torrential rains drenched Southern California on Wednesday, unleashing widespread flash flooding as authorities urged motorists to stay off roads and residents living downslope of wildfire-scarred foothills and canyons to evacuate.

Los Angeles County was placed under a tornado warning by the National Weather Service on Wednesday at 10:20 a.m. The warning is in effect until 10:45 a.m.

Residents of Los Angeles spent the day before Christmas under rain showers and winds of around 40 mph, while the New England area braces for heavy snow later in the week.

At least three people have died and more than 110,000 homes and businesses faced power outages on Christmas Day after a powerful winter storm struck California and broke rainfall records on Wednesday, triggering road closures and flooding, as forecasters warn of more rain.

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

Los Angeles County is the focus of an updated flood advisory issued at 5:29 p.m. on Wednesday by the National Weather Service. The advisory is in effect until Thursday Dec. 25, at 6 a.m.

Coastal communities in Southern California braced for more rain and flash floods even as a powerful Christmas storm began to ease on Thursday evening, with a state of emergency still in place for Los Angeles and neighboring counties.

We think the Rox have their work cut out for them if the Lakers' biggest star plays, but if not, this tilt could go either way.