A huge storm system crossing the U.S. threatens to unleash tornadoes Friday in the Mississippi Valley, blizzards in the northern Plains and dry, gusty conditions in Texas and Oklahoma that pose an extreme risk of wildfires.

A powerful storm is dropping drenching rain on flood-prone Southern California and heavy snow on the state’s mountains. It’s the first act of a storm that will unleash a severe thunderstorm outbreak,

Thursday is the day to make sure any outdoor items are secure before a high wind watch and fire weather watch go into effect.

North Texas fire crews are on high alert for potential fires due to high winds and low humidity on Friday. A fire weather watch is in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Residents are advised to remove flammable vegetation,

The NWS Fort Worth TX issued an updated fire weather watch at 8:14 a.m. on Thursday valid for Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. The watch is for Wise, Denton, Collin, Parker, Tarrant, Dallas, Hood, Johnson,