Evacuations ordered in Yucaipa area after heavy rains bring mud flows, flooding

YUCAIPA, Calif. (KABC) -- Evacuations were ordered Monday night for several communities in the Yucaipa area because of potential mud and debris flows and flash flooding caused by the recent storm.

Yucaipa police tweeted that the communities of "Oak Glen, Oak Glen Road, north & south, from Casa Blanca Road to the County Line, south from Wild Lilac Point down to WildWood Canyon Road, are subject to an evacuation ORDER."

An evacuation shelter was being established at Redlands East Valley High School, 31000 E Colton Ave, Redlands

Residents in the community of Forest Falls were told to shelter in place until further notice.

A heavy storm cell moved through San Bernardino County, dropping rain and leading to mud flows that left cars trapped and homes damaged.

Heavy rains came to the Southern California region as a result of Tropical Storm Kay - formerly a hurricane - passing by offshore. The storm pushed heavy bands of moisture into the area and desert and mountain communities in particular saw the heaviest rainfall amounts.

A storm cell swept through parts of San Bernardino County Monday afternoon. Roads were washed out and some homes were damaged by mud.

The area has burn scars from the El Dorado and Apple fires that have left the ground bare of brush that would normally slow the flow of water and mud down hillsides.

In the Potato Canyon area of San Bernardino County, torrential rains brought heavy downpours at the rate of an inch per hour. The rain overflowed and burst a creek, sending water and mud flowing into neighborhoods.

WATCH: Crews in Yucaipa area work to clear out debris after massive mud flows

Crews continue to work to clear out debris in the Yucaipa area after heavy rainfall caused a massive mud flow, prompting road closures and causing damage to homes.

Water flows also took out power lines and homes, as well as at least one restaurant. In the Perris area, people were seen standing on the roof of a car that was immobilized by a sudden mud flow.

"This is the worst we've ever had, that I've seen up here in the 20 years I've been up here," said Ramon Rosas, of Yucaipa.

He added that the wall of his neighbor's house collapsed, sending mud piling into the home.

Bulldozers were dispatched to many neighborhoods in efforts to clear out the thick walls of mud that were blocking roads and homes.