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.

At least 27 people have died in the Eaton and Palisades fires, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner said Thursday evening. Seventeen of the deaths are from the Eaton Fire in Altadena and 10 from the Palisades Fire, according to the medical examiner.

Two new wildfires broke in San Diego County in Southern California as powerful Santa Ana winds picked up pace on Tuesday. Evacuation orders were issued for the Lilac Fire, which had burned about 50 acres (20 hectares),