As Los Angeles continues to recover from devastating wildfires, the forecast for rain this weekend brings both hope and concern. While the rain could help extinguish lingering flames, it also risks triggering mudslides and debris flows in burn-scarred areas.

Weather experts predict light, steady rain across Los Angeles County, which would be ideal for allowing the dry, fire-damaged soil to absorb moisture. However, sudden bursts of heavy rain could cause flash flooding, loosening soil and debris on charred hillsides and sending them rushing toward already devastated neighborhoods.

“The ground can’t accept the water, so it all becomes runoff immediately,” explained a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. This could lead to fast-moving mudflows that threaten lives and property.

Local authorities are taking no chances. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass emphasized the city’s readiness to prevent further harm. Over 250,000 sandbags have been placed in flood-prone areas, and debris dams have been dug into hillsides to catch loose sediment. Residents in at-risk zones are advised to prepare sandbags and know how to shut off utilities in case of emergencies.

The wildfire crisis has already left many communities in a fragile state. The Hughes Fire near Castaic Lake burned over 10,000 acres in just one day, while new fires erupted in San Diego County. The Border 2 Fire doubled in size Thursday evening, threatening critical communication infrastructure.

Adding to the tension, President Donald Trump is set to visit California Friday, amid ongoing debates about federal aid for the state. California officials have urged cooperation, emphasizing the need for unified support in the face of disaster.

While the rain is needed to combat drought conditions, the risk of mudslides remains a major concern. In Santa Barbara County, a powerful storm following the 2017 Thomas Fire caused deadly mudflows that killed 23 people.

Residents and officials alike are keeping a close eye on the skies, hoping the rain brings relief without creating another crisis. As one official put it, “We’ve already endured unimaginable loss—we’re doing everything we can to prevent further harm.”