150,000 homes without power, gusts up to 115mph as El Nino storm hits US southwest

Over 150,000 US households were left without electricity as gusts of an El Nino-driven storm downed trees and power poles is Southern California. Gusts of wind up to 115mph were recorded, with locals taking to social media to share the aftermath.

The storm, accompanied by heavy rain, hit the west coast, causing massive outages and flooding on Sunday night. 

In addition to fierce gusts of wind, California is facing heavy downpours, low-elevation snow and thunderstorms, with counties Los Angeles and San Diego hit hardest.

A fallen tree measuring 8 feet in diameter killed a driver in the Pacific Beach area and crushed three empty parked cars.

READ MORE: California homes on the brink, Chilean coast battered: El Nino wreaks havoc on Pacific regions

Locals reacted to the weather phenomenon by posting pics and videos of rain, blackouts, fallen trees and other El Nino experiences on social networks.

The storm is expected to reach Michigan and Iowa on Monday night or Tuesday, bringing blizzards to these states by Groundhog Day, local meteorologists report.

READ MORE: Time to dig out: Huge snowstorm comes to end leaving at least 25 dead on US East Coast