Evacuations ordered as L.A., Southern California and Southwest brace for heavy rain, mudslides

Another round of heavy rain is expected across Southern California and parts of the Southwest, including Los Angeles, as a storm strengthens this weekend. AccuWeather meteorologists warn that torrential rain could lead to flash flooding, mudslides and washed-out roads, making travel difficult or dangerous.

The bulk of the rain will focus on the southern half of California and will spread inland over the deserts in Nevada, southeastern California and Arizona. In the central part of the state, rain may return after a lull during the weekend.

Evacuation orders have been issued in areas around burn scars from recent wildfires, including the Eaton Fire and Palisades Fire.

Near the apex of the storm, around Los Angeles, 2-4 inches of rain is forecast from Friday night to Sunday, in addition