The same storm system driving severe weather elsewhere in the country this week is fueling one of the most widespread and potent rounds of rain in Southern California since the historic January fires.

A flood watch will go into effect Wednesday afternoon across much of Los Angeles and Ventura counties as weather officials warn about heavy rainfall and debris flows. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch from Wednesday evening until Thursday afternoon.

Evacuation warnings and orders have been issued for Los Angeles communities near the Eaton, Palisades and Sunset fire burn zones ahead of the rain.