SILVERADO, Calif. (KNX) — Orange County officials issued a mandatory evacuation order Wednesday as a winter storm continued in the Southern
California region.
The order, previously a voluntary evacuation, affects residents of Silverado, Modjeska and Williams canyons in the Bond Fire burn scar area.
Evacuations will begin in place beginning at 8 p.m. Wednesday, in the areas that are at high risk for mudslides and dangerous flooding, officials said, referencing major flooding and damage as the result of a storm two weeks ago.
A U.S. National Weather Service flood watch remains in place throughout Orange County through 4 p.m. Thursday. The mandatory evacuation is expected to be in place through the flood watch, county officials said in a statement.
The storm, which will carry strong winds and low temperatures between 15 and 20 degrees below average, was expected to bring about two inches of rain along the coast, and five to seven inches in the mountain and foothill areas.
"Hard road closures will be in effect at 8 p.m. and access in and out of the canyon will be restricted to public safety and public works vehicles," officials said.
RESOURCES
Person with disabilities: Any person with disabilities and those with access and/or functional needs requiring evacuation assistance should call Orange County Sheriff’s Department Dispatch at 714-647-7000.
Shelter: The County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) has opened a Care and Reception Center through 4 p.m. Thursday at the Lake Forest Sports Park on Rancho Parkway in Lake Forest. Directions may be found here.
Staff are onsite and will be available throughout the night to offer evacuated residents a warm, dry place to wait out the storm.
Red Cross is on standby to support SSA in offering congregate, dormitory overnight shelter at the Sports Park as needed. Residents may also contact our hotline at 714-628-7085 to request assistance.
Pets and large animals: OC Animal Care is open to house dogs, cats and small pets for Orange County residents under mandatory evacuation orders. The shelter is at 1630 Victory Road Tustin, CA 92782. If possible, please bring photo identification, veterinary/vaccination records, special food, and medications along with your animals.
For those under mandatory evacuation order with large animals, OC Fair and Events Center located at 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa will open at 8 p.m. with uncovered temporary stalls. Call 714-708-1588 to ensure your animals can be accommodated. For more details, click here.
Report storm-related issues: To report storm-related issues with a County road or flood control channel, call the Orange County Public Works Storm Center 714-955-0200 during standard business hours and 714-955-0333 during flash flood events and emergencies when OC Public Works’ Department Operations Center is activated.
A map with detailed depictions of the areas under mandatory evacuation can be found at www.ocsheriff.gov/bondfire.
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