Strong Storm Brings Wind and Flood Warnings

Rain accompanied by strong winds will douse Orange County today, raising the risk of flash flooding in much of the region and mud slides in neighborhoods below hillsides denuded by wildfires, National Weather Service forecasters said.

A flash flood watch will go into effect at 9 a.m. today and remain in force through late tonight over a wide area that includes beach cities. The rain, along with gusty winds, is the result of a Pacific storm system. Forecasters said the storm should drop about 1 to 2 inches of rain along the coast and in valley areas, and 2 to 5 inches in the mountains and foothills.

Rainfall rates of around a half-inch per hour are expected ``possibly for several hours, which could produce dangerous flash flooding, with damaging mud and debris flows,’' according to an NWS statement.

A wind advisory will be in effect in the mountains with winds of 25 to 35 miles per hour with 50-mph gusts are expected in the mountains, mainly above 5,000 feet, an NWS statement said.

In the fire-scarred areas of Silverado Canyon in Orange County, residents were also preparing for possible mud flows. Emergency officials issued a warning to residents and even suggested voluntary evacuations beginning at 7 a.m. today. They said Silverado Canyon Road could potentially be closed.

Residents in the 40 to 50 homes from 30311 Silverado Canyon Road to the end of the canyon were advised even before today’s rains began in earnest to evacuate, Orange County sheriff’s Lt. Jeff Hallock said.

Some cities, including Seal Beach, Fullerton, Mission Viejo and Costa Mesa, are providing residents with free sandbags to help them protect their properties.

Showers are expected to continue into Tuesday night and into Wednesday, according to the NWS. The area is expected to slowly dry out as the week.

The NWS forecast highs today of 62 in Yorba Linda; 63 in Anaheim, Laguna Beach, Fullerton and Mission Viejo; 64 in San Clemente and Irvine; 65 in Newport Beach; 66 in Long Beach and at LAX; and 70 in Avalon. Showers and slightly higher temperatures are expected on Wednesday followed by several days of partly cloudy skies.

—City News Service