Flood, Evacuation Warning Near San Juan Capistrano Burn Area

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA — Orange County canyon residents were strongly encouraged by authorities to prepare for evacuation, as a major winter storm expected to hit southern California Thursday 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 Wednesday morning due to possible flash floods along or near the burn scar, the County of Orange announced Wednesday.

Residents were encouraged by the county to leave their homes early and plan for alternate shelter with friends, family or at a local hotel outside of the evacuation area until 4 p.m. Thursday.

Authorities in partnership with the Orange County Social Service Agency have opened a Care and Reception Center at the Lake Forest Sports Park, 28000 Rancho Parkway. The center will be open from noon Wednesday to 4 p.m. Thursday.

The evacuation comes after a powerful winter storm surged through the Southland Dec. 14, with another storm following close on its heels a week later.

Orange County canyon residents experienced between three and four inches of rainfall and reports of mudslides and residents trapped in their homes kept the Orange County Fire Authority hard at work.

RELATED: Trapped Silverado Residents Rescued By Orange County Firefighters

The order comes after the National Weather Service put a Flash Flood Watch in place for the burn scar area from 10 a.m. Wednesday to Thursday afternoon. The Voluntary Evacuation Warning is expected to remain in place through the Flash Flood Watch.

All canyon residents were "strongly encouraged" by the Orange County Sheriff's Department to prepare their belongings and evacuate, 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.