O.C. areas vulnerable from Canyon Fire 2 prepare for possible floods, mudslides in upcoming storm

Areas of Orange County left ravaged by the Canyon Fire 2 in October are bracing for possible flooding and mudslides in the first storm of the season, expected to hit Monday.
The fire scorched more than 9,200 acres in northeastern Orange County and destroyed 15 single-family homes, including 13 in Anaheim and two in Orange. It took firefighters more than a week to get the blaze under control.
City and county officials were working together on projects to deter and divert mud and other debris flow, Anaheim city spokesman Mike Lyster said Saturday.
Lyster said Anaheim Public Works has been clearing storm drains regularly using vacuum trucks and robotic cameras to ensure they are clear and that rain water will flow out of neighborhoods.
Orange County Public Works has applied hydromulch – mulch delivered via a hydraulic spray of water – and thousands of gravel bags on hillsides in the Anaheim Hills area near the 241 Toll Road, he said.
Anaheim has unfilled sandbags available at local fire stations, where residents can get up to 10 bags per household. Residents also can get sand at the city’s Public Works yard in downtown Anaheim during business hours.
Residents are urged to stay vigilant when the rain hits and:
–Make sure landscape drainage lines are clear of leaves, branches and other debris.
–Look at how water flows around your home and use sandbags, mesh or other diverters to keep water away from patios, sliding glass doors and other areas.
–In most cases, the city suggests keeping burned vegetation in place because the remaining roots help keep the ground solid.
Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties could see more than an inch of rain – the first in many places since the rain year began in October.
It is expected to start around 10 a.m. Monday, strengthening throughout the day and lingering through Tuesday.
Source: Oc Register