Flooding Possible In RSM Starting Saturday: Where To Get Sandbags

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA — As tropical cyclone Hurricane Hilary rages through Baja California, National Weather Service officials issued a Flood Watch for all Orange County cities, including Rancho Santa Margarita.

The Flood Watch is in effect from late Saturday night through Monday evening, officials said. The advisory comes as meteorologists predict flooding caused by excessive rainfall across Southwest California.

"Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations," a statement from the National Weather Service read. "Residents may experience] flooding in poor drainage and urban areas, with debris flows possible on recent burn scars."

Residents were urged to monitor weather forecasts and be alert for more flood warnings, and those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding occur.

Rancho Santa Margarita residents who are looking to prepare themselves in the event of a flood can stop by any local firehouse in town and pick up sandbags.

For a full list on Orange County Fire Authority firehouse locations near you, visit the OCFA's website.

The Flood Watch comes after tropical storm Hilary was officially declared a hurricane, as it rapidly gained strength on its path toward Southern California Thursday.

National Weather Service officials expect the storm to continue to intensify, becoming a Category 3 major hurricane later in the day.

The powerful storm is expected to reach Southern California by Saturday as a tropical storm. However, it has the potential to become the rare tropical cyclone to make landfall in the state. According to the National Weather Service in San Diego, it's been nearly a century since a tropical cyclone hit the region, bringing strong winds, large surf and torrential rain.

Hilary's exact route is still uncertain, but National Weather Service forecasts show the downpours could start Saturday night in San Diego, peaking in intensity Sunday and Monday across Southern California. The threat of showers and thunderstorms is expected to remain throughout next week.