Parts of OC under mandatory evacuation orders downgrade to evacuation warnings amid flooding fears

ORANGE COUNTY - After a week of generally above-average temperatures, rain fell on much of the Southland Monday, making for a wet morning drive and prompting concerns of possible flooding in Orange County hillsides.

The flooding fears prompted Orange County to issue an evacuation warning for Silverado, Modjeska and Williams canyon areas. Before the latest update at 4 p.m. Monday, the three aforementioned canyon areas were under mandatory evacuation orders before eventually downgrading to evacuation warnings.

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch for the Bond, Apple and El Dorado fire burn areas, which includes the Silverado, Modjeska and Williams canyons. Forecasters said heavy rain is possible in the mountain areas, and residents nearby "should prepare for potential flooding impacts."

"Heavy rainfall could trigger flash flooding of low-lying areas, urbanized street flooding and debris flows in and near recent wildfire burn scars," according to the NWS.

The flash flood watch is expected to remain in effect until late Monday night.

Forecasters said the storm will linger over the region until early Tuesday morning, "bringing widespread rain, high elevation snow, and gusty winds. There will also be a chance of thunderstorms capable of producing heavy downpours and small hail later this morning through this evening."

Light rain fell in coastal areas early Monday, gradually increasing in intensity through the morning rush hour and spreading eastward. Forecasters said rainfall rates were generally below an inch-per-hour in most areas in Los Angeles County.

Wind advisories will be in effect until 10 p.m. in the Antelope Valley, Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area and the Santa Clarita Valley. Forecasters said the areas could see winds gusting up to 50 mph, possibly making driving difficult for high-profile vehicles, and potentially leading to downed tree limbs or power outages.

A winter storm warning will be in effect for the Los Angeles County Mountains, excluding the Santa Monica range, until 6 a.m. Tuesday.

According to the NWS, 6 to 12 inches of snow could accumulate in mountains above 6,000 feet, with 18 inches possible at 7,500 feet and higher -- along with winds of up to 60 mph.

The bulk of the weather system is expected to move out of the area by early Tuesday morning, "but there could be some lingering (mountain) showers persisting in the morning."

Drier conditions are expected by later Tuesday and Wednesday, with a "slight" chance of some more rain on Thursday, following by warming conditions on Friday and Saturday.

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