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Emergency Flood and Mudflow Information

Press Releases

All Canyon Voluntary Evacution Orders Set to Expire at 8PM (Press Release #4)

The National Weather Service Flash Flood Watch is set to expire at 8 pm tonight. The voluntary evacuation orders for Modjeska, Silverado, Williams, and Harding Canyons will be lifted at 8PM.

All Canyon Voluntary Evacuation Orders Remain in Place, El Modena Shelter Closed and EOC Deactivated. (Press Release #3)

The National Weather Service Flash Flood Watch has been extended to 8 pm tonight. The voluntary evacuation orders for Modjeska, Silverado, Williams, and Harding Canyons will remain in place through the duration of the Flash Flood Watch.

Weather Service Update

National Weather Service is confident large rainfall amounts with winds 25-30 mph with gusts strong enough to down trees--up to 60 mph is on its way in. The rain should begin shortly after sundown with rains increasing overnight. They stated this is a strong storm. We could received 5+ inches in the Modjeska area tonight and at an intensity rate of 1 - 1 1/2 inches per hour.

Flash Flood in Effect and Voluntary Resident and Mandatory Large Animal Evacuation Order for Modjeska, Harding, and Williams Canyons for 1200 Noon on Saturday 1/26/08 (Press Release #2)

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for Orange Countyindicating that flash flooding is likely between Midnight Saturday ngiht and Sunday morning. Total storm percipitationamounts of 2-4 inches is possible at the coast and 4 to 8 inches on south and southwest facing mountain slopes.

Special Weather Statement in Effect for Orange County (Press Release #1)

Due to the approaching rain storm, the National Weather Service has issued a Special Weather Statement for Orange County indicating a forecast of heavy rain this Saturday night and Sunday. Total storm precipitation amounts of 2 inches are possible at the coast and 4 to 6 inches on south and southwest facing mountain slopes. This heavy rainfall could cause flash flooding and debris flows especially in recently burned areas.

Southern California Edison Taking Steps to Prepare for Rain Storms

A major rainstorm that hit Northern California is making its way to Southern California today, according to the National Weather Service, and more storms are forecast throughout hte weekend. Southern California Edison (SCE) is taking the following proactive steps to prepare for possible customer service interruptions.

Aerial Hydromulching of Forest Service Lands Burned During the Santiago Fire Begins Dec. 17

Silverado, CA - Single engine airplanes and a large helicopter working over the Santiago Fire area beginning on Dec. 17 will signal the start of the USDA Forest Service's aerial hydromulch operations designed to minimize soil erosion and reduce run-off in the canyon areas of Silverado and Modjeska Canyons.

Santiago Fire Aerial Hydromulching Restoration Project

Helpful questions, answers and photographs about the restoration project.

Evacuation Tips

Read this helpful Red Cross checklist for important evacuation preparedness.

Safety issues, cleaning, and restoration of flood damaged retail facilities

View important public health information for food facility operators following a flood or mudflow.

Septic Systems After a Flood or Mudlfow Event

View important health information regarding your septic system.

Water Well Disinfection and Testing After a Debris Flow or Flood Event

Read this helpful information for disinfection of individual water wells.

Santiago Creek at Modjeska Webcam

This webcam is designed to aid research scientists, emergency managers, and area residents through live monitoring of flow conditions and real-item image recordings of river events.

Weather and Evacuation Notifications

Residents in or downstream of recently burned areas are advised of the following types of weather and evacuation notices.

Critical Rainfall Event - Rainfall event producing intensities that create a high probability of unsafe and hazardous conditions within recent burn areas; criteria is established by scientists at the United States Geological Survey and other agencies.
Flash Flood Watch - National Weather Service issuees a Flash Flood Watch when the risk of a hazardous weather or hydrologic event (heavy rain leading to flash flooding is possible) has increased significantly, but its timing is still uncertain. It is intended to provide enough lead time so those who need to set their plans in motion can do so. May be issued 6 - 12 hours in advance of significant rain; specifically lists threat locations, including mud and debris flow; may last up to 48 hours.
Flash Flood Warning - Notification by National Weather Service issued when flash flooding is occurring or will develop quickly; flooding/debris flow is imminent or occurring; specifically lists threat locations and debris flow areas.
Voluntary Evacuation of Large Animals - Advisory to canyon residents who may keep horses, livestock, etc., on their property to consider evacuating their animals from high risk areas in preparation of a critical rainfall event. Trailers and other vehicles are still allowed in and out of the area.
Voluntary Evacuation of Special Needs Residents - Advisory to canyon residents who may need special assistance or special accommodations to begin the process of evacuating or initiate preparations to evacuate from high risk areas in preparation of a critical rainfall event.
Mandatory Evacuation of Large Animals - Last call for canyon residents to evacuate large animals in preparation of a critical rainfall event. Horse trailers and other vehicles used to transport large animals will not be allowed to enter high risk areas when mandatory evacuations of residents is requested.
Mandatory Evacuation of Canyon Residents - Canon residents living in high risk areas will be requested to evacuate in preparation of a critical rainfall event. Canyon residents may leave, but no vehicles other than emergency/official vehicles will be allowed to enter evacuated areas.