Still, the forecast showed a small risk that bursts of heavy rain could cause flash floods and mudslides around areas of Los Angeles County recently scarred by wildfires, including the northwest (Hughes fire), east (Bridge fire), southwest (Franklin and Palisades fires) and especially the central area where the Eaton fire burned.

With parts of Los Angeles County still smoldering from wildfires, the expected rain this weekend would seem like a welcome relief. But how the rain falls could make the difference between a disaster respite or a disaster repeat.

Southern California is about to get its first significant rainfall in months, bringing desperately needed relief after dry conditions and hazardous winds fueled a series of wildfires in January. The rain could start as early as Saturday afternoon and last through Monday night with the heaviest rain coming on Sunday,