A series of winter storms has triggered flood evacuation alerts and wind warnings across Southern California, which could derail New Year’s Eve celebrations.
The storm will bring Heavy rain moving south across the state and expected to drop up to an inch of rain per hour, according to the National Weather Service.
The rain is forecast to hit Southern California after dark and is expected to last until 12:00 pm on Sunday, Jan. 1, also bringing strong winds, said James Brotherton, a meteorologist with the San Diego Weather Service, on Saturday, Dec. 31. .
Voluntary evacuation notices were issued for homes in Silverado and Williams canyons on Saturday, December 31, by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department because of potential flooding and debris flows.
The weather service warns that significant rain is expected in Orange County from 9 pm to midnight. Heavy rain, subsequent flooding and debris flows are possible, according to the weather service.
Evacuation routes can quickly become impassable due to mud, debris or flooding. Residents with large animals should follow their personal plans to move their animals before the rain hits, the Orange County Sheriff said.
Heavy rain and possible debris flows are also possible inland Orange County and along parts of the coast.
In Los Angeles County, the City of Duarte announced that it has moved approximately 25 homes in the Fish Fire area to a “yellow alert” level beginning at noon on Saturday and continuing through 10:00 am on Sunday.
The heaviest rain in LA County is expected between 8 pm and midnight, which could lead to flash flooding and debris flows, according to the weather service.
Residents in or below recently burned areas are urged to take necessary steps to protect their property. Individuals should remain alert and follow instructions from emergency preparedness officials.
Rain and southwesterly winds of up to 50 mph are expected in some areas of LA County on Saturday.
A flood warning was issued for Riverside and San Bernardino counties from 6 pm on Saturday until 2 am on Sunday.
There are no current or planned flood evacuations, but flooding could affect homes near areas that burned and urban areas with poor drainage, Brotherton said.
The weather service announced a wind warning in Riverside, San Bernardino and Orange counties from 8 p.m. Saturday to 4 p.m. Sunday. The forecast is for winds between 15 and 25 km/h, with gusts of up to 40 km/h.
The low pressure trough will move quickly, largely leaving the interior region by noon on Sunday. That will bring a short dry spell followed by more rain next week, according to the NWS.
This is a story in development. Check back for updates.
City News Service contributed to this report.