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

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.

A flash flood watch was issued by the NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA on Tuesday at 11:16 a.m. valid from Thursday 1 p.m. until Friday 4 a.m. The watch is for Santa Clarita Valley, Ventura County Inland Coast,

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.

It’s too early to pin down the forecast with certainty, but as of Monday, the most likely scenario is that rain ahead of the storm will arrive Tuesday night, with rainfall amoun

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

Flames burned through brush and vegetation, reducing the soil’s ability to absorb water — allowing water to possibly flow quickly, picking up debris and creating dangerous mudslides, debris flows and flash flooding.