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

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

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.

Moisture sweeping down the coast will drench much of California, including areas that burned severely just a month ago.

“Recent research shows that debris flows almost always happen in Southern California after wildfires, and given that there are multiple wildfires and each of them is pretty large, really we’re in a situation where the next large rainfall event is almost certain to generate some sort of debris flow.”

Southern California is in desperate need of rain, but it could come far too fast this week, especially in areas recently burned by wildfires.

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.