No flooding in Holy fire area yet, but heaviest rain is to come

No debris flows were seen in the Holy fire burn area in Riverside County early Thursday morning, Nov. 29, but authorities warned that the danger would only increase during the day.

Light rain was falling in the Lake Elsinore and Temescal Valley areas as of 7 a.m.

But Capt. Fernando Herrera, of the Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department, said to expect the heaviest rain between later, from now until noon.

“During that time frame, there is the highest possibility of runoff, potential mud or debris flows from the canyon areas such as Rice Canyon, Horsethief Canyon,” Herrera said. “As of now, we are not seeing any significant activity.

“Remember, the rain concern is at the high elevations that we do not see and can take over an hour after the rain comes through to start seeing some activity (in neighborhoods at lower elevations).”

Mandatory evacuations were ordered for several neighborhoods in Lake Elsinore, as well as in unincorporated areas south of Corona, including Temescal Valley.

An American Red Cross representative said seven people spent the night at an evacuation center in the gym at Temescal Canyon High, where classes were going to be held as scheduled Thursday. Limited services were available at the center: cots, blankets, water, bathrooms and, after 7:30 a.m., breakfast.

Rice Canyon and Withrow elementary schools were closed Thursday, as were Luiseno School and Terra Cotta Middle School.

This story is developing. Please check back for updates.