The forecast comes days after an expansive storm similarly trekked across the U.S. last week, unloading snow in the northern Plains and bringing tornadoes and wildfires to the South. At least five storm-related deaths in Nebraska and Mississippi were tied to that storm.

The strongest wave of a powerful winter storm reached Southern California overnight, bringing flash flood warnings, dropping snow levels and a possible tornado.

The storm, which forecasters said could produce tornadoes, is expected to strengthen Friday and move towards the central US.