Southern California has experienced its first significant storm of the season, which brought much-needed snow and rain to the region, including some impactful consequences. On Monday, these weather conditions helped to douse ongoing wildfires yet caused ash and mud flows on streets in the Los Angeles area.

With parts of Los Angeles County still smoldering from wildfires, the expected rain this weekend would seem like a welcome relief. But how the rain falls could make the difference between a disaster respite or a disaster repeat.