Southern California's most powerful winter storm of the season prompted Los Angeles authorities to warn thousands of people to evacuate Thursday as fears of potentially life-threatening flooding and mudslides intensify, NBC News reported.

The warnings, which go into effect at 7 a.m. PT (10 a.m. ET) and remain in effect until noon Friday, cover areas affected by the massive Palisades fire last month, as well as communities affected by the Eaton, Hearst, Franklin, Bridge and Sunset fires.

While the warnings are not currently enforceable orders, the Los Angeles Fire Department said firefighters will arrive at homes in “high-risk” neighborhoods and issue specific evacuation orders. Depending on how the storm develops, widespread orders could follow.

The National Weather Service said flash flooding should be expected across the region in urban areas, and the risk “will be highest in areas of Southern California and near recently scorched scars.”

“Those near recently burned areas should heed the instructions of local authorities. Sudden flooding in burn areas can be life-threatening,” the weather service added.

As part of the statewide response, nearly 120 miles of barriers have been set up around Southern California to prevent flooding and stop rain runoff and debris from entering rivers and lakes. The massive operation involved 319,000 sandbags, more than 240 fire engines and 400 personnel in eight counties.