Thousands told to evacuate in L.A. as powerful storms raise fears over burn scars and debris flow

What is expected to be Southern California's most powerful winter storm of the season prompted Los Angeles to tell thousands to evacuate Thursday, as fears mount over potentially life-threatening flash flooding and debris flow from burn scars caused by recent wildfires.

The warnings, which last through Friday afternoon, cover areas affected by last month's deadly huge Palisades Fire, as well as the communities hit by the Eaton, Hurst, Franklin, Bridge and Sunset fires.

While the warnings aren't enforceable orders, the Los Angeles Fire Department said that houses in these areas with "high risk" will be visited by firefighters and given specific evacuation orders. Widespread enforcement orders could follow depending on how the storm develops.

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The National Weather Service said flash flooding should be expected across the region in urban areas, and the risk "will be highest in and near recent burn scar areas in Southern California."

Full story: https://www.nbcnews.com/weather/winter-weather/los-angeles-weather-flash-flood-warning-rcna191987