The setup Friday through the weekend is a potentially dangerous one in parts of the South, Midwest and East. Some tornadoes could be strong and widespread damaging winds are also a threat.

The first potent winter storm is punching through the West with the potential for damaging wind gusts, heavy Sierra and Rockies snow and the potential for flooding rainfall in Southern California. Flooding, mudslides and debris flows are possible from Los Angeles to San Diego. Burn scars from the Palisades and Eaton Fires will be especially vulnerable. Feet of snow are possible in the Sierra Nevada, Cascades and Rockies. A second storm arrives in Washington, Oregon, Northern California and Idaho this weekend.

A potent storm system will be trekking across the country this week, bringing the full suite of weather concerns. We’re tracking a potential multi-day severe weather outbreak, some snow accompanied by drastic temperature shifts, and very gusty winds that will lead to significant fire danger. Stay ahead of the storm. Here’s what you need to know.

This year the National Hurricane Center is making improvements to their tropical cyclone forecasts. With improvements in computer modeling, forecasts are becoming better and better each year. Check out the changes.

The storm tracking into the West will bring rain and mountain snow to that region and then possible blizzard conditions to the Northern Plains. High winds will be widespread and could kick up blowing dust and contribute to a high fire danger in the Southwest and Plains.