A powerful storm dropping drenching rain on flood-prone Southern California is raising concern among forecasters that it could produce a dangerous, widespread outbreak of tornadoes, damaging winds and fires along with a blizzard as it crosses the entire United States in the coming days.

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

Southern California, which was scorched by wildfires in January, was hit by more extreme weather. A rare tornado touched down in Pico Rivera, which is in the L.A. area. Meanwhile, in Riverside County,

California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara announced Friday he has "provisionally" approved State Farm's rate hike of 22% as the company reports dealing with financial struggles stemming from the Los Angeles wildfires.

It’s unclear how much premiums could go up in the Bay Area or which parts of the region would see the largest rate hikes. Statewide, the insurer covers roughly 15% of homes, totaling more than 1

California's top insurance regulator says he will approve an emergency request from State Farm to raise home insurance rates for roughly a million customers if the company can justify the hike at a public hearing.