Much-need rain has begun to fall over Southern California, bringing relief to the drought-stricken region but also the threat of toxic runoff.

Rain was falling across Southern California on Sunday, bringing some relief to thousands of firefighters battling multiple major blazes for nearly a month in the Los Angeles area, but also prompting new threats of floods and mudslides across burn-scarred lands.

Areas where the Palisades, Franklin, Eaton, Bridge, and Hughes wildfires burned are under a flood watch, the weather service said Sunday. Fresh burn scar areas stand at greater risk of mudslides because they no longer have trees and vegetation providing support to the land, according to AccuWeather Meteorologist Jacob Hinson.

The National Weather Service said there is a 15-25% chance of thunderstorms across the region, which could bring periods of heavy rainfall that could overwhelm the burn-scar areas.

Los Angeles County’s latest major wildfire burns more than 10,000 acres near Castaic Lake as new Laguna Fire forces campus to evacuate

The Los Angeles area is preparing for its first rain since wildfires first broke out weeks ago. But too much rain at once could bring its own set of significant issues.

Weekend rains could bring some relief to Southern California. Here's the forecast and an assessment of how much it will help reduce fire risk.

The mountains and foothills of Los Angeles County are in “extreme drought” conditions, about 36% of the county, explained Pugh. That’s one category shy of hitting the highest level, “exceptional drought,” and three higher than the lowest, “abnormally dry.” The rest of the county is in severe drought.

Residents in a Northern California community are begging Gov. Newsom for help as crime runs rampant as Los Angeles continues to burn from wildfires.

The Los Angeles fires are likely to exacerbate California's inventory and affordability crisis, bringing up demand at a time when supply has further shrunk.

The recent disastrous wildfires in Southern California are an extreme example of the challenges homeowners face after their home is destroyed or seriously