The biggest storm of the winter, packing a firehose of rain across much of California, will trigger flooding, mudslides and road closures that may put lives and property at risk during the latter part of this week.

If the rain falls at a steady, lighter rate, Southern California could be in good shape. That could mean enough rain to help ease the firefighting strain, but not enough to trigger another potential disaster. Heavier rain could mean the chance for flash flooding or mudslides over fresh burn scars.