In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democrats in the state Legislature are under pressure to scale back the expansion of state-sponsored healthcare coverage for undocumented immigrants with the cost of the program more the $3 billion over budget.

California is in need of a $3.44 billion loan to cover a shortfall in "Medi-Cal," which is the state's Medicaid program, according to reports.

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.

California braced for the arrival of a massive storm on Wednesday, evacuating residents in areas at risk of mudslides and debris flows.

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

A flood watch remains in effect Thursday for parts of Southern California as the region experiences rainfall and flooding conditions.

Los Angeles police distributed address-specific evacuation orders Tuesday to residents in burn areas of the Palisades, Sunset and Hurst fires, which are expected to be “susceptible to heavy rain.” Heavy rain was expected to last through early Thursday morning,