Storm causes rain, some mudslides in Bond, Silverado fire-burn areas

An overnight downpour sent mud and rocks flowing down into roads in areas where the Bond and Silverado fires had burned in eastern Orange County.

Though no injuries were reported or major damage, crews worked through the night to clear the sludge that ran into streets.

Orange County Fire Authority officials warned residents to still be prepared for possible mudslides as the hills were still soaked.

“Even though the rain stops, there’s still a chance of mud slipping,” OCFA Capt. Paul Holaday said. “When the ground gets saturated, it’s like a sponge and after a while it can’t take any more and starts to slide.”

Bond fire burn scare: Moderate mud and debris flow overnight, @OCpublicworks worked through the night to clear the roads. Stay vigilant, the hills are saturated and there is still a high likelihood of mud slides. @OCFAChief @ocfirefighters pic.twitter.com/LbXSiTE9nV

— OCFA PIO (@OCFA_PIO) January 29, 2021

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Authorities on Thursday had issued a voluntary evacuation warning for homes within the Silverado, Williams and Modjeska canyons.

Holaday said there were a few homes that had mud and runoff in their yards, but there was no major structure damage.

There had been no water rescues or calls of serious damage in the county.

“No big boulders or trees came down,” Holaday said. “But we’re not out of the woods yet,” he said. “We still have the rain that is coming today.”

During the night, the rain ended up dropping a half-an-inch to one inch onto Orange County and the Inland Empire, according to the National Weather Service. By around 3 a.m. Friday, the rain had moved south of the burn scars.

“Rain and mountain snow this morning will transition to scattered showers before ending tonight,” a NWS forecast predicted. “The weekend weather will be dry and a little warmer.”

A flash-flood watch remained in place until 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29.

Friday is expected to stay cool throughout Southern California with highs in the 50s in most coastal and valley areas, with possibly some 60s in the coastal zones. In the mountains, clouds and rain will keep temperatures in the 30s below 6,500 feet, and in the 20s above that elevation.