Mandatory Evacuation Order Near Orange County Burn Area

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA — Orange County canyon residents faced a mandatory evacuation order by authorities as a spring storm pounds through southern California Monday, bringing flash flood warnings and wind advisories across the Southland.

The mandatory evacuation order was issued by the Orange County Sheriff's Department at noon Monday. The order affects residents living in Silverado Canyon, Williams Canyon and Modjeska burn areas.

"Canyon residents are strongly encouraged to evacuate prior to 12 p.m. Hard road closures will be in effect at 12 p.m. and access in and out of the canyons will be restricted to public safety and public works vehicles," A spokesperson with the OCSD said in a statement.

The order comes after the National Weather Service put a Flash Flood Watch in place for the burn scar area from noon Monday to 1 a.m. Tuesday morning. The Evacuation Warning is expected to remain in place through the Flash Flood Watch.

All canyon residents were "strongly encouraged" by the Orange County Sheriff's Department to prepare their belongings and evacuate, especially those with disabilities, access and/or functional needs and canyon residents with large animals.

Orange County canyon residents with disabilities or other functional needs who need help evacuating are asked to call the OCSD's dispatch at (714)-647-7000.

Residents who wish to report storm-related issues with a County road or flood control channel can call the Orange County Public Works Storm Center 714-955-0200 during business hours, and 714-955-0333 during flash flood events and emergencies when OC Public Works’ Department Operations Center is activated.

The spring storm also resulted in the temporary closures of four Orange County parks, OC Parks announced on Facebook.

As of 2:30 p.m. Monday, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Santiago Oaks Regional Park, Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park and Peters Canyon Regional Park were all closed due to wet and muddy conditions.