Evacuation plans made for heavy storm this weekend

Heavy rains are expected today throughout Orange County.

The storm is expected to produce strong winds and possible flash floods in some parts of the county.

Less than one inch of rain is expected to fall in the Newport-Mesa area during the weekend, although there could be more, said Brandt Maxwell, a National Weather Service forecaster. In eastern parts of the county, roughly two or more inches of rain are to be expected, prompting concerns of mudslides in areas affected by the Santiago Canyon fires, officials said.

The Orange County Fairgrounds will be used as an evacuation center for large animals cared for and housed in the Modjeska, Williams and Santiago canyons. Residents of the canyons who need to evacuate will stay at El Modena High School in Orange, according to officials.

In response to the anticipated rains, Costa Mesa officials canceled the city’s Holiday Snow Hill event at the Balearic Community Center. For more information on the event or an update, call (714) 754-5158.

More information on evacuations at (714) 628-7085.

— Kelly Strodl