The most powerful band of a large atmospheric river storm slammed into Southern California on Saturday, dumping much-needed rain across the region but also bringing mudslide dangers.

A Pacific storm could help California crews battle the dangerous Pack Fire in Mono County, but it could also wreak havoc on fire-charred communities further south.

A Pacific storm barreling toward Southern California has the potential to cause significant damage to the January wildfire burn scar areas, prompting evacuation warnings. Residents near the Palisades and Franklin fire burn areas are being asked to use Thursday to get prepared ahead of the storm,

An unusually strong storm system that was linked to at least two deaths lashed Southern California with heavy rain Saturday, bringing a risk for flash flooding and landslides and forcing evacuations in areas of Los Angeles County recently burned by wildfires.

CHINO HILLS, Calif. (AP) — A house exploded in a Southern California neighborhood, injuring eight people and damaging two homes nearby, with firefighters evacuating a total of 16 homes.

The girl's father attempted to save her as she was pulled by large waves near Garrapata State Park on Friday, according to authorities. He was rescued and later died.

A storm this weekend is expected to bring between three and six inches of rain through Saturday in Southern California, creating risks of debris flows. Evacuation