OC Under Flood Watch: Storm Triggers Evacuation Warnings

TRABUCO CANYON, CA — Orange County communities living near the Airport Fire burn scar were notified of an incoming evacuation warning on Wednesday.

According to county officials, an evacuation warning went into effect at 10 a.m. Wednesday, impacting residents living in Trabuco Canyon, Hot Springs Canoyn, Bell Canyon, Long Canyon and Modjeska Canyon.

In addition, Orange County residents were placed under both a Flood Watch and a Wind Advisory by the National Weather Service.

The Flood Watch impacts Orange County coastal and Orange County inland areas, according to the NWS. It will last from 10 p.m. Wednesday through Thursday afternoon.

The Wind Advisory was issued as a result of forecasted winds of up to 30 to 40 miles per hour across Orange County. According to the NWS, the Wind Advisory will be in effect from noon Wednesday to 8 p.m. Thursday.

The warnings come into effect as rain is forecasted over the region, heightening the chance of mud and debris flows. The warning is expected to last until 6 p.m. Thursday, when the heaviest of rains are projected to subside.

Any person with disabilities or functional needs requiring evacuation assistance was asked to contact the Orange County Sheriff's Department dispatch at 714-647-7000.

Trabuco Canyon Road at Trabuco Creek remained open for public use as of 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, though officials expressed the potential for a road closure if conditions worsen.

Orange County Public Libraries and the American Red Cross, in coordination with the Orange County Social Services Agency, will host a congregate shelter location for evacuated canyon residents on Wednesday.

The shelter will be located at the Foothill Ranch Library Program Annex, which is directly adjacent to the Foothill Ranch Library located at 27002 Cabriole Way, Foothill Ranch, CA 92610.