The first storm in a two-part series has made its way to Southern California before the main storm begins Thursday, increasing the danger of flash flooding.

The first wave of the strongest storm of the winter began hitting Southern California on Wednesday, but the most damaging rains are expected Thursday.

Flood watches, when flooding conditions are considered ripe, are in place for stretches including the burn scars surrounding the Eaton, Palisades, Franklin and Bridge fires, from 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, to 4 a.m. Friday, Feb. 14.

Forecasters said excessive rainfall could lead to flash flooding and debris flows in recent burn scars, including the Eaton and Palisades fires.

The snowstorm that blew into the mid-Atlantic states on Tuesday caused accidents on roads and prompted school closures.

After months of dry weather heading into 2025, Southern California is bracing for its third winter storm event in less than a month, and this week’s system is expected to be the strongest

The strongest storm in a year is set to pound Southern California this week, with forecasters warning of potential widespread roadway flooding and the chance of landslides throughout the region — especially in areas recently charred in the devastating Los Angeles County firestorms.

Forecasters are concerned the storm could bring mudslides in and near areas scorched by the Palisades and Eaton fires.

Heavy snow and freezing rain caused hundreds of crashes in Virginia and left tens of thousands of residents in the dark as the central Appalachians and parts of the mid-Atlantic states braced for heavy rains on Wednesday.