Rain breaks out in areas burned in recent wildfires in California

Southern California goes from dry to wet weather as a storm dropped rain on areas burned in recent wildfires.

Photo: Rain breaks out in areas burned in recent wildfires in California

Sheriff's deputies in Orange County prepared to go door-to-door in burned areas in Modjeska and Williams canyons to advise people of a voluntary evacuation recommendation due to the risk of mudslides, said Lt. Ted Boyne.

Deputies were starting with about 300 homes but were assembling teams of deputies in case they needed to alert homeowners in nearby Trabuco and Silverado canyons as well, he said. Another team of deputies was patrolling the canyons looking for signs of trouble.

A flash flood warning was posted in north-central San Diego County where the Poomacha and Rice wildfires of late October left thousands of acres (hectares) barren. One gauge just outside the burn area had recorded more than 2 inches (5 centimeters) of rain by midday, with more to come, the National Weather Service said.

Minor debris flows were reported at the La Jolla Indian reservation, the NWS said.

Flash flood watches were issued for many other areas of Southern California including Malibu, where the most recent blaze fanned by powerful, dry Santa Ana winds scorched 4,900 acres (1,983 hectares) on slopes and in canyons of the Santa Monica Mountains.