Flash Flood Watch, Optional Evacuation Order In OC Amid Storm

ORANGE COUNTY, CA — Orange County canyon residents were strongly encouraged by authorities to prepare for evacuation, as a major winter storm Sunday night brings flash flood warnings and wind advisories across the Southland.

A Voluntary Evacuation Warning for Silverado Canyon, Williams Canyon and Modjeska Canyon — all located in the Bond Fire burn area — was issued Sunday night due to possible flash floods along or near the burn scar, the Orange County Sheriff's Department reported.

The order comes after the National Weather Service put a Flash Flood Watch in place for the burn scar area at 7 p.m. Sunday night. The Voluntary Evacuation Warning is expected to remain in place through the Flash Flood Watch, which is in effect through Tuesday afternoon.

All canyon residents were "strongly encouraged" by the Orange County Sheriff's Department to prepare their belongings and evacuate to a nearby shelter, 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 living in evacuation areas are urged to monitor weather changes and prepare to leave their homes early Monday morning.

Depending on weather conditions, the voluntary warning may become mandatory with little to no notice — residents leaving the area are urged to plan accordingly.

Residents needing sheltering assistance may contact the American Red Cross for Congregate Sheltering at 855-891-7325.

Residents are encouraged to check regularly for updates through local media and on Facebook and X, formerly Twitter.