The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for many parts of South California Saturday February 18 2017.
A Flash Flood Watch is in place for all of Orange County including Orange County Coastal Areas.
Scattered showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms today with locally heavy rainfall are likely.
A low pressure system will continue to move slowly inland through Southern California today.
Bands of showers will continue to move inland today along with a slight chance of thunderstorms.
Brief heavy rainfall is possible.
This additional rainfall on top of soils saturated by recent heavy rainfall could cause rapid runoff and the possibility of urban and small stream flooding and flash flooding.
The National Weather Service Flash Flood Watch extends to parts of Apple and Lucerne Valleys, the Coachella Valley, San Bernardino and Riverside County Valleys-The Inland Empire, San Diego County Coastal Areas, San Diego County Deserts, San Diego County Mountains, San Diego County Valleys, San Gorgonio Pass Near Banning and Santa Ana Mountains and Foothills.
Flash Flood Watch is in effect throughout the afternoon Saturday February 18 2017.
Recommended actions
A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding.
Flash Flooding is a very dangerous situation.
You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.
Emergency Preparedness
Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
Elevate the furnace, water heater and electric panel in your home if you live in an area that has a high flood risk.
Consider installing “check valves” to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home.
If feasible, construct barriers to stop floodwater from entering the building and seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds.
Flood Safety Tips
Be aware that flash flooding can occur.
If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground.
Do not wait for instructions to move.
Flood Evacuation Tips
Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so.
Disconnect electrical appliances.
Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
Secure your home.
If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture.
Move essential items to an upper floor.
Be aware of stream, drainage channels, canyons and other areas known to flood suddenly.
Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without typical warnings such as rain clouds or heavy rain.
Do not walk through moving water.
Six inches of moving water can make you fall.
If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving.
Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
Do not drive into flooded areas.
If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely.
You and the vehicle can be swept away quickly.
Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams, rivers or creeks, particularly during threatening conditions.
