Storm Update as of February 6, 2024:
A voluntary Evacuation Warning has been in place for Silverado, Williams, Modjeska and Trabuco Canyons since Sunday, February 4, 2024. Residents should keep sandbags and wattles in place until notified otherwise. Care and shelter will continue at the Foothill Ranch Library. For more information, go to http://ocgov.com/press and http://ocsheriff.gov/emergency.
District 5 City Updates
At this time, there have been no major storm incidents nor road closures reported by cities and unincorporated areas in the Fifth District. In the City of Newport Beach, small pockets of water were addressed by pump crews.
The City of Laguna Beach activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC.)
In the City of Costa Mesa, there is flooding occurring on Adams between Harbor and Pine Creek. The city encourages residents to report clogged storm drains and fallen branch through the Costa Mesa 311 app.
The following trail closures are in place:
City of Irvine: All underpasses on the San Diego Creek and Peters Canyon bike trails are closed as well as City athletic fields and open space trails.
City of San Clemente: Portions of the San Clemente Beach Trail are closed from El Portal access to Mariposa access and From Boca Del Canon access to Lasuen access.
The Dana Point Harbor Marina experienced an unplanned power outage affecting East Basin Island, West Basin Island, and West Basin Cove. Earlier today the commercial core experienced a brief power outage, but crews were able to restore power quickly. Maintenance teams are on docks checking on boats and pumping out if needed. Boaters are encouraged to check on their boats. Power was restored by San Diego Gas & Electric (SDGE) by 4 p.m. today.
Emergency Rail Stabilization Update:
As to the City of San Clemente near the Mariposa pedestrian bridge (Milepost 204.2), with the exceptionally heavy rain overnight Sunday and throughout Monday, there has been additional, accelerated movement of the slope next to the track, according to sensors and a camera installed over the weekend. However, the track structure remains stable.
Additional rain is predicted Monday night and Tuesday. Crews will remain on site to monitor and inspect the slope for movement and make adjustments to tarps and drainage, as needed.
BNSF plans to continue running freight trains at reduced speeds during overnight hours. Passenger service remains stopped.
Regarding funding, the California Transportation Commission (CTC) is expected to finalize authorization of OCTA’s $2 million request to support the debris removal and other pre-construction services. OCTA very much appreciates the state’s quick response and ongoing support.
For daily updates, visit https://www.octa.net/railupdates.
OC Public Works Preparation Update:
OC Public Works will have crews and equipment ready to respond to rain-related issues in order to keep roadways open. For sandbag information, visit OCFA.org.
Since the latest storm began, OCPW crews addressed minor debris in catch basins on Crown Valley Parkway. They also continue to monitor Cove Road in Dana Point.
If you require additional assistance for sandbags, please contact your City Public Works department or the County Public Works Department for unincorporated areas.
For storm-related resources, visit our Storm Center at www.OCStormCenter.com
For general flood protection information, visit https://ocip.ocpublicworks.com/be-flood-ready
Orange County Fire Authority Preparation Update:
The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) will staff additional resources and monitor the weather, incidents, and resources to determine if additional staffing will be necessary.
The OCFA increased staffing in anticipation of the incoming storm. This includes the addition of two additional swift water rescue teams, a Type 1 swift water rescue team, both helicopters staffed with rescuers, two dozers, hand crew firefighters, and incident management team command staff in the Department Operations Center.
Find sandbags available for local residents and business owners at all OCFA fire stations and sand at designated stations. A list of stations can be found at ocfa.org under “Residents.” Limit quantity is 20 per family, while supplies last. Residents are asked to bring a shovel.
Residents Guidance:
Residents are encouraged to follow these guidelines:
- Remove or secure loose, lightweight items on your property that can flow into gutters and clog storm drains, potential causing flooding.
- When it’s safe – survey your property to make sure all the drains are clear of debris.
- When the storm stops – check your rain gutters to make sure they’re not backed up ahead of the next storm.
- Stay out of creeks, river beds, any body of water during rain storms, as they become very dangerous with increasing amounts of water that move very quickly.
- Flood control channels are quickly filling up and trapping people.
- The speed of the water is very unforgiving
- Many hazards in the water that can’t be seen from the surface that can trap someone in it.
- Do not attempt to walk or drive through pooling water, especially if you can’t determine the depth of water.
- Just a few inches of moving water can knock you down, and ONE foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
- Turn Around, Don't Drown: When you’re driving, allow more time for travel to stay safe. We’re seeing more traffic collisions when it rains.
