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Climate & Environment

Body recovered from Santa Ana River during New Year’s Day storms

An overhead shot of a river with a freeway overpass.
Conditions along the Santa Ana River can become dangerous during heavy rains.
(
Courtesy Orange County Public Works
)

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Topline:

An unidentified body was recovered from the bed of the Santa Ana River just before noon on Jan. 1, according to the Orange County Fire Authority.

What we know: Officials said a witness called 911 to report a person in the riverbed near the intersection of Warner Avenue and Harbor Boulevard in Santa Ana. The person traveled about 2 miles downstream before the search and rescue crew recovered their body in the city of Fountain Valley.

The response: About 60 firefighters from OCFA and the Fountain Valley and Costa Mesa fire departments contributed to the water rescue effort.

The danger of moving water: With more rain in the forecast this weekend, keep in mind that just 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock down most people, while 12 inches can carry away most cars.

How to stay safe: Emergency officials recommend limiting travel as much as possible during heavy rain and floods, including by car. If you see flooding in your path, remember the slogan, “Turn around, don’t drown.” LAist also has a guide on driving safely in the rain.

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