The danger of Storm Kay in Southern California 0:49
(CNN) --
As parts of the West grapple with destructive wildfires fueled by scorching temperatures, a storm that brought flash flooding and high winds to Southern California on Friday will bring more heavy rain over the weekend.
At least 5 million residents in California, Nevada and Arizona remain under a flood watch through Saturday morning as Post-Tropical Cyclone Kay drenches the coast and further inland.
An additional 1.2 centimeters (0.5 inches) of rain is forecast for the region on Saturday.
Strong winds batter Southern California and Tropical Storm Kay threatens to increase heat and flooding
San Diego County recorded some of its heaviest rainfall totals on Friday, with 5.08 inches (12 centimeters) in Mount Laguna and 4.61 inches (11 centimeters) in Ranchita, according to preliminary data from the National Weather Service.
The city received 1.5 centimeters (0.61 inches) of rain on Friday, breaking its previous record for daily rainfall of 0.2 centimeters (0.09 inches) set in 1976. The storm also caused some damage and flooded roads. authorities said.
Kay "will continue to bring heavy rain and flash flooding to portions of the desert southwest into southern California" through Saturday, the National Weather Service said.
Kay weakened when it hit the US, as it was a Category 1 hurricane when it made landfall in Mexico on Thursday. Kay will continue to weaken as it moves west off the northern coast of Baja California, approximately 120 miles away. (120 miles) southwest of San Diego, according to CNN Meteorologist Derek Van Dam.
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The degraded storm system still has sustained winds of 40 mph (65 km/h) that had firefighters concerned as the erratic Fairview Fire raged in Southern California.
The fire has charred more than 28,000 acres (11,300 hectares) since it began on Sept. 5, according to Cal Fire late Friday.
With 40% containment, the fire killed two civilians and injured another, according to authorities.
The fire also destroyed 13 buildings, including homes, and damaged four others.
It threatens another 10,000 structures.
But there is some relief in store, officials said, as the rain sets in.
A firefighter works on a back burn during the Fairview Fire on September 7, 2022 near Hemet, California.
(Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
"With the onset of rain, the drought-stricken area not only received much-needed rain, but also helped firefighters by slowing the spread of the Fairview Fire," Cal Fire said Friday.
A brutal heat wave fuels wildfires and power outages across California
Forecasts show the heat wave that has been roasting millions in the West for more than a week and forced residents to limit their electricity use will ease this weekend.
"The record heat that has plagued much of the West over the past week is coming to an end," the weather service added.
"Friday will likely be the last day of record heat in California's interior valleys with temperatures this weekend dropping to levels closer to average."
It has been so hot throughout the region that some effects of the anticipated rains have been further reduced, officials said.
“Because it has been so hot, we are seeing some evaporation of the rain before it hits the ground.
This is also helping some of the gusty winds we're seeing," weather officials in Los Angeles said.
Fires cause power outages
While some residents in the region will get a respite from the heat this weekend, others in the Pacific Northwest are forecast to experience elevated risk of dangerous fire activity, the weather service warned.
Further north along the California coast, this weekend's warm temperatures coupled with dry conditions may continue to threaten power outages in Oregon.
An energy provider cut power to 30,000 homes and businesses in Portland and Salem, Oregon, on Friday to help reduce the risk of fires that could become dangerous.
"Extremely dangerous" fire conditions in California leave two dead and thousands of hectares burned
The practice known as public safety shutdown is typically carried out in a limited area considered high-risk from wildfires, Portland General Electric said.
Other areas will also see outages due to "imminent high winds, extreme fire conditions currently found in Oregon," the utility provider said.
Another 7,235 homes and businesses also experienced blackouts due to dangerous weather conditions from the fires, according to provider Pacific Power.
"Over the course of the last two weeks, I have declared three fire conflagrations as well as a statewide fire emergency to quickly marshal all available and needed resources as wildfires erupt," said Oregon Governor, Kate Brown.
"With seven major fires active in Oregon right now, more than 168,000 acres are burning across our state."
A red flag warning — an alert of increased risk of fire activity due to weather conditions — is in effect for northwestern Oregon and southwestern Washington state through Saturday.
Wind gusts in those areas can range from 25 to 50 mph (40 to 80 km/h), which could help fires spread quickly.
A high wind travel advisory sign is posted on Interstate 8, east of San Diego, Thursday in Julian, California.
In the meantime, many parts of California will not be affected by Kay's rains and will remain at higher risk for extreme conditions.
In addition to the Fairview Fire, the Mosquito Fire, in Northern California's El Dorado and Placer counties, has burned 11,900 acres and is 0% contained, according to Cal Fire.
Evacuations have been ordered and warnings have been issued for a dozen communities.
"Fire spread significantly overnight due to extreme fire behavior and limited visibility from heavy smoke. Fire made runs uphill with short range detection. Weather will be minimal winds and 21% relative humidity," officials said. Cal Fire officials in an update.
Paradise Afshar and CNN's Haley Brink contributed to this report.
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