Much of fire ravaged southern California is under a flood watch after devastating flames have left thousands of acres barren and vulnerable to flash flooding, land and mudslides with rain in the forecast.

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,

The highest intensity rain was expected between 4 p.m. on Sunday and 4 p.m. on Monday, according to the service. Los Angeles and Ventura Counties were expected to get up to an inch of total rainfall, and up to three inches was forecast in the mountains around Los Angeles.

A slow-moving low-pressure system will linger over the Southwest, bringing steady rain through at least Monday.