San Diego, CA – The National Weather Service (NWS) in San Diego has issued a Flash Flood Warning for east-central Orange County, particularly affecting the Airport burn scar, until 7:30 a.m. PDT Thursday.
According to the NWS, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges detected heavy rainfall over the burn scar area at 4:30 a.m. Up to 0.25 inches of rain had already fallen, with rainfall rates of 0.75 to 1 inch per hour expected. Additional rainfall of 0.75 to 1.25 inches may lead to flash flooding in and around the affected region.
Authorities warn that excessive rainfall over the burn scar can trigger dangerous debris flows consisting of mud, rocks, and vegetation. This could impact travel on roads such as Ortega Highway and in areas including Trabuco Canyon and Trabuco Highlands.
Residents in the affected areas are urged to take precautions. If flooding occurs, individuals should avoid low-lying areas, never drive through flooded roads, and seek higher ground if necessary. The NWS emphasizes that flash flooding in burn scar areas can be life-threatening.
This warning remains in effect until 7:30 a.m. PDT. For updates and emergency alerts, residents should monitor local news or visit the NWS website.
