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.

Evacuation warnings were in place for several Los Angeles burn scar areas that were ravaged by wildfires two months ago.

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