The dramatic rescue happened around 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Aliso Creek near the 24400 block of Christina Court.
When Orange County Fire Authority crews arrived on scene, they found a woman clinging to a tree above the creek as it was filling up with rapidly-moving water.
Swift-water rescue teams tried to reach her from the ground, but ultimately had to bring in a helicopter to hoist her to safety. She was reunited with her family.
Firefighters are reminding people to stay away from fast-moving floodwaters during storms.