The Los Angeles area is preparing for the tail end of an atmospheric river that will bring "beneficial rain," forecasters say.

The wet weather will bring relief to Southern California after a prolonged period of dryness, but there’s concern that any bursts of heavy rainfall could cause flooding.

The weather provided relief for crews working to contain wildfires, though rain over a burn area ups the chances of flooding and mudslides

Pacific Coast Highway will be closed this week because of potential mud and debris flows during the upcoming storms.

The National Weather Service issued a flood watch effective from 4 p.m. Sunday to 4 p.m. Monday for areas in or near burn scars created by the Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, Hughes Fire and Bridge Fire, the latter blaze of which burned 56,000 acres last fall.

Pacific Coast Highway in the Palisades, which reopened Monday, was closed again Tuesday as rain returns, posing problems with potential mud and debris slides in the recent burn scars. John Fenoglio reports Feb.

Only essential workers -- such as first responders, recovery agencies and utility companies -- will be able to access PCH in the closure area. Residents with passes will still be able to return to their homes in Pacific Palisades via Chautauqua.

Caltrans is expected to shut down a section of Pacific Coast Highway on Tuesday afternoon because of concerns about the rain and possible mudslides.

Palisades residents and contractors will be able to access homes via Chautauqua Boulevard with passes LOS ANGELES – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) today announced that in anticipation of predicted rain,