Storm clean-up work continues as crews monitor burn scar areas

Evacuation warnings remained in effect Wednesday in the Highland area as a storm's most powerful round was set to wallop Southern California.

The warnings were issued at 5 p.m. Tuesday for the neighborhood south of Greenspot Road, between Church Street and Merris Street; and from Church Street east to the foothills north of Highland Avenue, and Weaver Street east to the Iron Bridge north of Greenspot Road.

"Authorities continue to monitor storm conditions," the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department said on social media. "Residents in the following areas should remain prepared to evacuate if necessary."

With the most powerful round of an incoming storm expected to hit Southern California, residents and municipal crews in Highland were preparing amid fears of possible flash flooding and mudflows.

Residents were urged to visit prepare.sbcounty.gov for resources and safety tips.

Sand and sandbags were also available at San Bernardino County fire stations on a first-come, first-served basis. Find locations at sbcfire.org/sandbags.

The Orange County Fire Authority is hoping to avoid dangerous swift water rescues as another storm makes its way across Southern California.

OCFA Capt. Greg Barta told Eyewitness News the agency's swift water teams train throughout the year to help save people caught in fast-moving water.

OCFA Capt. Greg Barta told Eyewitness News the agency's swift water teams train throughout the year to help save people caught in fast-moving water.

"They get in the water when it's moving. Folks often under anticipate really how a small amount of water can sweep you away," he said.

Barta said OCFA has been conducting swift water rescue drills across the county in the last couple of months, including in riverbeds, the ocean and various other locations.

In South Orange County, San Clemente, which has seen its share of landslides, is also bracing for the storm.

"You have to be proactive," said San Clemente Mayor Steve Knoblock. "If the rain gets ahead of us and we have a major event, it's a problem."
Tarps have been laid out in some trouble spots to keep them from moving.

"We've got those areas pretty well stabilized through anchor bolts that go back into the bedrock to stabilize the cliffs," said Knoblock.

But the danger doesn't go away once the storms roll out.

"Hydrologists tell us that once it rains, often times, that water drains down to the slip zone, if you will, where the earth then moves, and it can happen two to three months after a significant rain storm," said Knoblock.

In the Pacific Palisades, evacuation warnings are in effect for those living in the Palisades burn area. Some spots saw flooding and debris flows during a bout of heavy rain last month.

The evacuation warning will remain in place through 6 p.m. Thursday. The affected areas include Getty Villa area, Highlands near the burn areas, Bienveneda area near Temescal Canyon Park, Rivas Canyon/Will Rogers State Park area, Mandeville Canyon above Tanners Road, Old Ranch Road and Rustic Creek.

Meanwhile, the Pacific Coast Highway between Chautauqua Boulevard and Carbon Beach Terrace will be closed starting at noon Wednesday.

In the Pacific Palisades, evacuation warnings are in effect for those living in the Palisades burn area. Some spots saw flooding and debris flows during a bout of heavy rain last month.

In Sierra Madre, evacuation warnings and orders are in effect for areas deemed high-risk. The orders took effect at 7 a.m. Wednesday and will last through 6 p.m. Thursday, according to officials. No street parking will be allowed in areas impacted by the orders.

The places under evacuation orders are: SMD-E001, SMD-E002A, SMD-E002B, SMD-E002C, SMD-E003, SMD-E004, SMD-E005, SMD-E006A, SMD-E006B, SMD-E007, SMD-E008, SMD-E009, SMD-E010A, SMD-E010B, SMD-E011A, SMD-E011C, SMD-E012A, SMD-E012B, SMD-E012C, SMD-E012D, SMD-E013B, SMD-E014B.

The places under evacuation warnings are: SMD-E011D, SMD-E013A, SMD-E014A, SMD-E015, SMD-E016.

In Sierra Madre, evacuation warnings and orders have been issued for areas deemed high-risk due to the incoming storm.