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Burned-Out Areas Susceptible to Flash Floods

Last month we prayed for rain. Now San Diego County residents are crossing their fingers the showers don't start floods in areas burned by the wildfires. KPBS reporter Amy Isackson has details.

Burned-Out Areas Susceptible to Flash Floods

Last month we prayed for rain. Now San Diego County residents are crossing their fingers the showers don't start floods in areas burned by the wildfires. KPBS reporter Amy Isackson has details.

National Weather Service forecasters have issued a flash flood warning for areas burned by last month’s wildfires.

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They says just one-fifth of an inch of rain in a fifteen minute period could start mud and debris flows in burn areas.

San Diego County public works spokesman Bill Pollick says so far mud and rocks temporarily clogged a few roads in Fallbrook and Pauma Valley. But he says it’s not major.

Nevertheless, Polick urged people to pay attention to what's going on around them.

Pollick : While the reverse 911 system is a wonderful way to go, people need to pay attention to the water that's coming down the hills beside them, have an evacuation plan in place and, if they feel unsafe, they should evacuate themselves.

Polick says the county will use the reverse 911 system if needed to evacuate people. But he says that is not necessary at this point.

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Forecasters say the rain should dissipate after midnight.

Amy Isackson, KPBS News.