The strongest storm in a year is set to pound Southern California this week, with forecasters warning of potential widespread roadway flooding and the chance of landslides throughout the region — especially in areas recently charred in the devastating Los Angeles County firestorms.

Forecasters said excessive rainfall could lead to flash flooding and debris flows in recent burn scars, including the Eaton and Palisades fires.

After months of dry weather heading into 2025, Southern California is bracing for its third winter storm event in less than a month, and this week’s system is expected to be the strongest

Forecasters say 'Pineapple Express' storm will probably be beneficial for Los Angeles and Ventura counties, helping to reduce the risk of wildfires.

A Pineapple Express forms when the jet stream dips south into the tropical Pacific near Hawaii, scooping up warm, moist air and carrying it northeast across the ocean. Named for Hawaii's famous fruit and the storm's origins near the islands, these powerful systems can dump the equivalent of 10 to 15 inches of rain over two to three days.

A winter storm that continues to bring showers to Southern California Friday is turning out to be a bigger rain producer than a system that dropped less than an inch of measurable rain on most of