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.

Three active fires in Los Angeles neared full containment Sunday, as the region receives much-needed rain that has produced flood and mudslide warnings lasting through Monday. Saturday, 4:00 p.m. PST Cal Fire data marked the Palisades Fire at 87% containment, the Eaton Fire at 95% containment and the Hughes Fire at 92% containment.

Some areas could get more than a half-inch of rain an hour later Sunday, the National Weather Service said. Showers could linger into Tuesday. Areas where the Palisades, Franklin, Eaton, Bridge,

Storm system threatens Southern California burn areas with potential flooding and debris flows as first winter rain approaches.

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,

Rain on the way to parched Southern California on Saturday will aid firefighters mopping up multiple wildfires. But heavy downpours on charred hillsides could bring the threat of new troubles like toxic ash runoff.