Flash Flood in Orange County, California

Heavy rain caused extensive flooding in downtown Laguna Beach with up to 4 feet of water on Broadway Street. Stranded motorists were rescued. The water also swept mud through homes, businesses and streets in the city. Approximately 184 businesses, homes and structures were damaged by the flooding. Sewer pumps were also damaged, resulting in the closure of about 12 miles of Orange County beaches, due to the pollution and waste entered into the storm runoff.

A large Pacific plume of moisture ahead of an advancing trough of low pressure brought heavy rain and periods of serious flooding for nearly a week. The plume of moisture responsible was a form of an Atmospheric River. The mountain areas, particularly the San Bernardino range, experienced record large rainfall totals and many areas of flash flooding, debris flows and mud slides. Most rivers in the county warning area reached flood stage. Other effects include numerous traffic collisions, roadway flooding and closures, swift water rescues, beach closures and millions of dollars in damage to homes, businesses and infrastructure. Along with numerous city and governor-declared States of Emergency, President Obama proclaimed a Federal disaster declaration for 10 counties in California, including all four counties comprising the SGX CWA.