LA and Orange County residents should be prepared to evacuate as storm's peak approaches

Evacuation warnings and orders have been issued for neighborhoods in Los Angeles and Orange counties ahead of the storm's peak which is going to arrive between Wednesday night and Thursday morning. Multiple inches could fall within a handful of hours.

The heavy rainfall could cause debris flows that could end up trapping cars, blocking roads and even entering homes.

The city of Sierra Madre, which is in the San Gabriel foothills, is under evacuation orders through Thursday night. An evacuation order has been issued for Trabuco Creek, Bell Canyon and Hot Springs Canyon because of potential debris flows around the Airport Fire burn scar in Orange County.

Those in and around the Palisades, Eaton, Franklin, Bridge and Kenneth fire burn scars in L.A. are all under evacuation warnings. Residents in Long Canyon and Modjeska Canyon are also under an evacuation warning and are encouraged to evacuate if they have disabilities or require assistance.

A flood watch has been issued for much of Southern California and will remain in place through Thursday afternoon.

Over the next few days, we'll also see multiple feet of snow fall in our mountains, especially above 6,000 feet. Snow could also disrupt traffic on the Grapevine, so consider avoiding the 5 Freeway until Friday.

Things should dry out by Saturday, but another rainstorm could arrive early next week.

Rainfall totals

As of Wednesday afternoon less than an inch of rain had fallen across Santa Barbara, Ventura, L.A. and Orange counties since Monday.

Evacuations

Evacuation warnings have been issued for areas in and around a number of burn scars in L.A. and Orange counties.

Evacuation orders have been issued for specific parcels within the burned areas and for the city of Sierra Madre. Law enforcement should have alerted the property owners directly or posted flyers at the locations telling people to evacuate by 7 a.m. Wednesday.

Evacuation orders have also been issued for areas in Trabuco Creek, Bell Canyon and Hot Springs Canyon, including the RC Airport and Starr Ranch. An evacuation warning is still in effect for Long Canyon and Modjeska Canyon.

Everyone in and around recent burns scars should be prepared to evacuate some time between Wednesday and Friday if officials tell them to.

Up-to-date evacuation maps:

• L.A. County
• Ventura County
• Orange County

Closures

Mark Pestrella, director of L.A. County Public Works, said Wednesday morning that Pacific Coast Highway will be closed from noon on because officials are expecting unsafe conditions. The closure will be in place from Carbon Beach Terrace in Malibu to Chautauqua Boulevard in Pacific Palisades.

In Orange County, Hot Springs Canyon at Ortega Highway will be closed as of 9 p.m. Wednesday. Trabuco Canyon Road between Rose Canyon Drive and Plano Trabuco near Rancho Santa Margarita will close as well.

Forecast

The storm is expected to peak Wednesday night into Thursday morning.

Multiple inches of rain and several feet of snow could fall by the time it moves out of the area on Saturday.

Los Angeles and Ventura county beaches, as well as the Malibu Coast, will be under a high surf advisory from 9 a.m. Thursday to 3 p.m. Friday. Large breaking waves between 6 to 9 feet are expected in Ventura County, with 5 to 8 feet waves and dangerous rip currents in L.A. County, according to the National Weather Service. People are being warned to stay out of the water, or at least near occupied lifeguard towers.

Another rainstorm is looking likely early next week.

Shelters

A dormitory style shelter has been set up for evacuated Orange County residents at:

• Foothill Ranch Library Program Annex, which is next to the Foothill Ranch Library at 27002 Cabriole Way, Foothill Ranch

OC Animal Care can accept dogs, cats and small pets for residents evacuated from their service areas at the following facility:

• 1630 Victory Road, Tustin
  
  • Owners are asked to bring a photo ID, veterinary/vaccination records, special food and medications along with their pets, if possible.

For large animals:

• Orange County Fair Grounds, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa
  
  • Owners are asked to call 714-820-2830 before they arrive

Understanding National Weather Service warnings

Here’s an excerpt from our guide to understanding flood warnings, if any are issued:

• Flood advisories are how the NWS begins to raise the alarm. The goal is to give people enough time to take action.
• Flood watches are your indicators to get prepared to move.
• A flood warning is issued when a hazardous weather event is imminent or already happening. When one is issued for your area, you need to get to higher ground immediately.
• A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is coming or in progress. Flash floods are sudden and violent floods that can start within minutes.

Read more: Flash Flood Warnings? Watches? Here’s What You Need To Know

Tips for driving in the rain

Advice on driving in the rain:

• Check weather and road conditions all along your planned route.
• Slow down.
• Keep a wider-than-usual distance between your vehicle and the one in front.
• Don't drive through standing water — as little as 12 inches of rushing water can carry away most cars, and two feet can carry away SUVs and trucks.
• Make sure tires are fully inflated.
• Check windshield wiper blades and replace if necessary.

Read more: What You Should Do If You End Up Driving In A Flooded Area

Downed tree, power line or flooded road?

Dial 911 if it's an emergency.

However, if you need to report a flooded road or a downed tree, you can call the following non-emergency numbers:

• L.A. city: Dial 311 for a flooded road or downed tree. Call (800) DIAL-DWP if you see a downed power line.
• L.A. County: (800) 675-HELP.
• Ventura County: (805) 384-1500.
• Orange County: (714) 955-0200 or visit here.

If you're in L.A. County and need sand bags, you can find some at local fire stations.

Sign up for emergency alerts

• L.A. city: Notify L.A.
• L.A. County: Ready L.A. County
• Ventura County: Ready Ventura County
• Orange County: AlertOC
• Riverside County: AlertRivCo

How we're reporting on this

This is a developing story. We fact check everything and rely only on information from credible sources (think fire, police, government officials and reporters on the ground). Sometimes, however, we make mistakes or initial reports turn out to be wrong. In all cases, we strive to bring you the most accurate information in real time and will update this story as new information becomes available.