SoCal communities left with mud, damage after days of wet weather

An evacuation order has been issued for the community of Lytle Creek amid an intense storm hitting Southern California. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department asks residents in the evacuation zone to "gather essential belongings, secure your property if time permits, and evacuate without delay."

"Avoid flooded roads and areas impacted by debris. Stay informed through official channels and follow all directions from public safety officials," the sheriff's department said.

Mandatory evacuation orders are in effect for those living near the Airport Fire burn scar.

This includes the areas of Trabuco Creek, including the RC Airport, fire station, the campground/park and school, Bell Canyon, including Starr Ranch and Hot Springs Canyon, including Lazy-W Ranch.

Mandatory evacuation orders are in effect for those living near the Airport Fire burn scar.

Road closures are in place at Trabuco Canyon Road at Rose Canyon, Plano Trabuco near Robinson Ranch, Grey Rock at Bell Canyon, and Hot Springs Canyon at Ortega Highway.

If you live in Orange County and are affected, there's a reception center for displaced residents at the Foothill Ranch Library Program Annex adjacent to the library at 27002 Cabriole Way. Meantime, the OC Animal Care shelter at 1630 Victory Road in Tustin will be available to care for evacuated residents' small pets.

Large animal owners can contact OC Animal Care at 714-935-6848, or 714-259-1122 after hours, for sheltering options.

City News Service, Inc. contributed to this report.

The National Weather Service extended a Flash Flood Warning for parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, effective until 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Heavy rainfall will persist for several more hours, but a lull is expected by the evening. Still, the wet weather won't be done yet.

See here for the latest on the storm's timing.

Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday proclaimed a state of emergency in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties as yet another storm batters the region with heavy rain.

This comes as several communities in burn scar areas are under evacuation warnings due to the looming threat of mudslides and debris flows.

"California is acting early and decisively to do all we can to get ahead of dangerous winter storms. The state has pre-positioned resources, activated emergency authorities, and we are working closely with local partners to protect communities and keep Californians safe," Newsom said in a statement.

The proclamation was also made for San Diego and Shasta counties.