Winter storm to bring snow, freezing rain – and maybe a tornado

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – A strengthening winter storm that dropped record-breaking downpours on Los Angeles is expected to bring a powerful mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain – maybe even a tornado or two – that could cause power outages, snarl air travel and down trees as it crawls across the southern United States.

Significant delays threatened at airport hubs such as Dallas, Houston, New Orleans and Atlanta through the weekend could make a mess for air travelers and ripple across the country, forecasters warned.

Major hubs were expected to see only rain with the exception of Charlotte, North Carolina, a hub for American Airlines, where ice and up to a half-foot of snow were possible Sunday. Airlines are waiving change fees across a number of states.

Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin declared a state of emergency for all 77 counties. A winter storm watch is in effect for most of the state until Saturday night.