Mandatory evacuations for Holy Fire affected communities

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (FOX 11) - Officials in Southern California burn areas were urging residents to make storm preparations ahead of rain in the forecast.

The storm will move across the area Wednesday night through Thursday, bringing significant rainfall and gusty winds, according to the National Weather Service. A weaker storm was also expected to move through on Saturday, bringing a chance of additional rainfall.

Coast and valley areas could see between one to two inches of rainfall, and two to three inches in the foothills and mountains, according to the National Weather Service.

Officials warned residents of possible power outages, rockslides, mudslides and debris flows in the Woolsey and Hill fires burn areas.

"Prepare for lack of water, power and natural gas, non-functional traffic signals, and roads that may be impassable,'' the Malibu city statement said. "Evacuation orders should not be taken lightly and are ordered because there is a threat to life and property. Evacuate early to reduce traffic congestion out of Malibu.''

Click here to locate the nearest Los Angeles County fire station or beach location to obtain free sandbags.

Authorities in Orange and Riverside counties also issued voluntary evacuations for residents in the Holy Fire burn area ahead of the predicted rain.

OC officials issued a voluntary evacuation for homes located within Trabuco Creek, Rose Canyon and the Mystic Oaks / El Cariso areas.

HOLY BURN AREA:

In Riverside County, a mandatory evacuation warning was issued as of 3 p.m.for the following zones: Amorose, Alberhill, Glen Ivy A, Glen Eden, Grace, Horsethief A, Laguna A, Matri, McVicker A, Rice, Withrow A.

"People in these zones MUST GO NOW," Riverside County Emergency Management Department's website stated.

Please note, the boundaries of these evacuation zones have changed from previous evacuation warnings in the Holy burn area. It is critical that residents look at the post Holy Risk & Evacuation Map at www.rivcoready.org/Have-a-Plan/Flooding/Storm-Ready.

Scroll down on the page to determine the zone you live in and the evacuation status in that zone.

A care and reception center is open at Temescal Canyon High School, located at 28755 El Toro Road in Lake Elsinore.

Post wildfire areas are at-risk of debris flows, which are deadly, fast-moving landslides. There is also a risk of flooding, mudflow, rockfalls and other landslides during and immediately after rain.

Debris flows can happen with little to no warning. As always, residents are urged to remain vigilant and take personal responsibility for their safety.

Officials might only be able to provide a few minutes' notice, or none at all. If your home is in an at-risk area, it is critical that you understand the seriousness of the situation and are always prepared.

CRANSTON BURN AREA:
The rain predicted over the Cranston Fire burn area has changed. Rainfall is still expected Thursday however, based on current weather predictions, it is not expected to cause debris flows. There are no evacuation warnings, either voluntary or mandatory, in place at this time.

The storm has led to a number of school closures in the Holy Fire burn area:

Trabuco Canyon Elementary has canceled classes for Thursday.
Also closed on Thursday: Rice Canyon Elementary, Winthrow Elementary, Luiseno Elementary and Terra Cota Middle School.