Flash Floods Cause Traffic Woes For Orange County Drivers

COSTA MESA, CA — The streets of Costa Mesa and Newport Beach were completely waterlogged Thursday as a winter storm slogged through Orange County. Dangerous flooding was reported in Costa Mesa and Newport Beach, and emergency manager reported evacuation of 2 schools in Newport Beach due to floods.

Some locations that endured flooded streets included: Laguna Beach, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Garden Grove, western Corona, Orange, Fullerton, Costa Mesa and Tustin.

The City of Laguna Beach closed Coast Highway between 3rd Avenue and 9th Avenue due to flooding in the area, and more rain was still on the way.

Rain gauge reports indicated that between 0.75 to 1.25 inches of heavy rain fell in the afternoon hours in the Flash Flood zones, resulting in flooded roadways across the county.

"NWS radar indicates the rainfall will taper off but still continue," they said. An additional 0.25 to 0.50 inches of rain was possible through 3 pm.

Orange County Fire Authority reminded drivers not to attempt to cross flooded intersections or roads.

"If you can turn around, find another route," Capt. Tony Bommarito advised. "Slow down during heavy rains. There could be pooled water that you can’t see. This can lead to hydroplaning and loss of control of your vehicle."

In the city of Santa Ana, police advised drivers that reports of "manhole covers dislodging" from the flood were seen "floating down the street in the area of Bristol & Edinger as well as Santiago & Civic Center."

Drivers in those areas were urged to use extreme caution, and to stay off the roads if necessary.

In Costa Mesa, a traffic advisory was shared with drivers at approximately 1:15 p.m. for roads that were under water. As of 2:30 p.m. the roads were even more drenched:

• 19th Street and Anaheim Avenue
• 19th Street and Park Drive
• 18th Street and Anaheim Avenue
• 17th Street and Pomona Avenue

According to police, water flooding the streets ranged from two to four feet in depth. Drivers were warned to avoid driving in those areas until the rainwater subsided.

One jeep was caught on camera driving through the waterlogged streets of Costa Mesa. Shelly Haywood, owner of the Modern Vault in Costa Mesa, caught the scene on cell phone video as a Jeep negotiated their way through the flood.

"There was major flooding in Costa Mesa," she tweeted. "Cars and people were trapped in low lying areas."

Major flooding in Costa Mesa CA. Need a Jeep to get through this stuff. #stupidmotorist #jeep #flooding #costamesa #orangecounty @KTLA #flashflooding #californiarain #weather pic.twitter.com/xTiroh7cDT
— The Modern Vault (@TheModernVault) December" class="redactor-linkify-object">https://twitter.com/TheModernV... 6, 2018

"Please drive safe in the rain, slow down, make sure you have space to brake safely," the Costa Mesa Police said.

#SAPDWeatherUpdates - We are getting reports of manhole covers dislodging and floating down the street in the area of Bristol & Edinger as well as Santiago & Civic Center. Please use EXTREME CAUTION! #SAPDPIO #trafficalert #rainyday
— SantaAnaPD (@SantaAnaPD) December" class="redactor-linkify-object">https://twitter.com/SantaAnaPD... 6, 2018

Costa Mesa, Santa Ana Police Photos