Flash Flood Watch: Powerful Storm Headed To Orange County

ORANGE COUNTY, CA — A powerful storm is expected to hit the greater Orange County area beginning Wednesday, promoting weather officials to issue a Flash Flood Watch for the area. The National Weather Service said the "large and powerful" storm is expected to last through Friday.

Orange County area residents can expect periods of moderate to heavy rain across the region, possibly also bringing flash flooding, and mud and debris flows, according to the National Weather Service.

As of Wednesday morning, the Flash Flood Watch is in effect for recently burned areas although it could be expanded to other parts of the region.

"Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. Southern California residents, in or below the recently burned areas are urged to take the steps necessary to protect their property," the National Weather Service said. "Persons in the watch area should remain alert."

Storm total rainfall is expected to range from 2 to 5 inches across coastal and valley areas, with 5 to locally with 10 inches across the foothills and coastal slopes.

Need sandbags?

• Cerritos: Fire Station 17: 4991 Cerritos Avenue
• Irvine: Fire Station 36: 301 E. Yale Loop
• Laguna Niguel: Fire Station 49 31461 Street of the Golden Lantern
• Laguna Woods/Laguna HillsFire Station 22 24001 Paseo de Valencia
• Modjeska Canyon Fire Station 16 28891 Modjeska Canyon Rd
• Placentia Fire Station 34: 1530 N. Valencia Ave
• Rancho Mission Viejo Fire Station 56: 56 Sendero Way
• Santa Ana Fire Station 79: 1320 East Warner Ave
• Seal Beach Fire Station 48 3131 North Gate Rd
• Silverado Fire Station 14 29402 Silverado Canyon Road
• Silverado Fire Station 15 27172 Silverado Canyon Road
• Trabuco Fire Station 18 30942 Trabuco Canyon Road
• Tustin Fire Station 21 1241 Irvine Blvd.
• Villa Park Fire Station 23 5020 Santiago Canyon Rd
• Yorba Linda Fire Station 53 25415 East La Palma

Residents are welcome to stop by these local fire stations to obtain free sandbags and sand. For additional information, please contact (714) 573-6200

Reminders on staying safe when out and about during rainstorms:

• When driving in the rain, remember to slow down.
• Keep both hands on the wheel.
• Leave extra room between cars.
• If your windshield wipers are on, your headlights should be on.
• Eliminate distractions (no texting, don't change that radio dial).
• Don't brake if your car skids.

When approaching water on the roadways, remember to always "turn around, don't drown."

#CaStorm is bringing heavy rainfall and possible flooding. Always heed all signs posted and avoid entering or driving through flooded areas. Remember #TurnAroundDontDrown! pic.twitter.com/QxGTElTASb
— CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE) March 21, 2018

4-day Forecast for Orange County

Today, rain tomorrow morning.

Thursday March 22

Rain until evening. High 65, low 59.
Chance of precipitation: 88%. Wind 6 mph from the SSE

Friday March 23

Partly cloudy until evening. High 68, low 56.
Chance of precipitation: 40%. Wind 4 mph from the WSW

Saturday March 24

Partly cloudy until evening. High 67, low 52.
Chance of precipitation: 16%. Wind 4 mph from the SW

Sunday March 25

Clear throughout the day. High 65, low 49.
Chance of precipitation: 4%. Wind 4 mph from the W
Data provided by darksky.net.

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