Mandatory Evacuation Order Near Orange County Burn Area Tuesday

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

The mandatory evacuation order was issued by the Orange County Sheriff's Department at 10 a.m. Tuesday. The order affects residents living in Silverado Canyon, Williams Canyon and Modjeska burn areas.

"Canyon residents are strongly encouraged to evacuate prior to 9 a.m. Hard road closures will be in effect at 9 a.m. and access in and out of the canyons will be restricted to public safety and public works vehicles," an OCSD spokesperson said in a statement.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for the burn scar area in effect from Tuesday, November 8 at 4 a.m. until Wednesday, November 9 at 7 a.m. for the storm.

A map with detailed depictions of the areas under mandatory evacuation can be found at www.ocsheriff.gov/bondfire.

Any resident requiring evacuation assistance should call Orange County Sheriff’s Department Dispatch at 714-647-7000.

For canyon residents in need of shelter, the County of Orange Social Service Agency and the American Red Cross have established a Care and Reception location for evacuated residents from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Norman P. Murray Community & Senior Center, located in Mission Viejo. Residents can find the Care and Reception location at 24932 Veteran's Way.

The Norman P. Murray Community & Senior Center also services as an official voting site for residents who may find themselves displaced by the storm.

Orange County Animal Care is open to house dogs, cats and small pets for canyon residents facing evacuation orders. Residents can find the shelter at 1630 Victory Road, Tustin. Residents are asked to bring photo identification if possible, veterinary and vaccination records, special food and medications that your animal may need.

For information about other large animal housing arrangements, residents can call OC Animal Care at 714-935-6848.

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