Anaheim is readying for heavy rain this week by clearing storm drains, checking water pumps, preparing sandbags, and checking hillsides.
Heavy rain is forecast to start overnight Wednesday and continue through Thursday. We could see a couple of inches of rain in that time, including periods of heavy, intense rain.
You’re likely to see water buildup on streets and in neighborhoods as accumulated rain works its way through our storm drain system.
We’re closely watching hillsides and other areas burned in October’s Canyon Fire 2. We expect to see some muddy water runoff and will keep watching for anything more severe.
There are no mandatory evacuations in the Canyon Fire 2 burn area now. But there is always a chance some residents could be asked to leave, out of an abundance of caution, should conditions change.
“Knowing that we’re in for some heavy rain is a great chance to take some easy, basic steps,” Mayor Tom Tait said. “Those living right next to the Canyon Fire 2 burn area should follow city information and think about what to do should they be asked to leave their homes. We don’t anticipate that now, but this is a great time for everyone across Anaheim to talk about a family emergency plan and to get to know your neighbors.”
Here’s what we’re watching for and what you might expect:
East Anaheim
Expect heavy rains in the hills with water, sometimes muddy, flowing down hillsides, streets, driveways, and other slopes.
Roads along hillsides, including Santa Ana Canyon Road, can see muddy water runoff onto shoulders and lanes with possible lane closures for cleanup.
Canyon Fire 2 hillsides, including along Blue Sky Way and near cul-de-sacs off of Columbus Dr., are seeing special attention.
We’ve been clearing storm drains and checking water pumps to ensure rain flows into the storm drain system to guard against mud and debris flow.
Much of the preparation for this week’s storm actually happened months ago.
Concrete barriers remain along Blue Sky Way. And hillsides that were burned in Canyon Fire 2 now have new native grasses and other vegetation, thanks to seeding and mulching by Orange County Public Works.
For all our preparation, though, there’s no certainty about how rain will impact hillsides. And tragedies in Santa Barbara remind us that we can never take Mother Nature for granted.
Right now, we do not see the need to ask anyone to leave their homes. But there is always the chance if conditions change.
Should we call for evacuations, it would be for select homes at the bottom of slopes and hillsides.
You would first see notifications on Facebook and Twitter from the city of Anaheim followed by text alerts for those signed up with Anaheim Alert. You can do so by visiting AnaheimAlert.net.
Finally, you would see police, fire, and other city officials going door to door in your neighborhood.
It’s always a good idea to have a family emergency plan in place and think about what you would need if you have to leave your home.
West Anaheim
Low-lying parts of west Anaheim prone to rain buildup and spot flooding could see that with this storm.
West Anaheim typically sees the first of storms as they move west to east off the Pacific Ocean. So residents should expect to wake up to rain and an impacted commute on Thursday.
It’s a good idea to have some sandbags and know how to fill and use them. Look around your house or business to see how water flows and where it accumulates.
Sandbags can be used to divert water and buildup away from doorways and other parts of your house or business.
Central Anaheim
There are no specific concerns for central Anaheim, but residents there should also be prepared to see water buildup on streets and in neighborhoods, as well as rainy, impacted commutes.
Sandbags
Anaheim makes sandbags and sand available to residents and businesses. You can find out more about locations and how to fill sandbags at Anaheim.net/BeRainReady.
