Feb 23, 1998
A powerful Pacific storm fed by warmer than normal El Nino conditions in the eastern Pacific, slammed into southern California with strong winds, thunderstorms, and very heavy rain. This was the final in a series of heavy storms which pummelled the region this month. In many areas the ground was nearly saturated and some reservoirs were nearing or exceeding their capacity. The two, to locally five inches of rain which ensued, caused widespread flooding and property damage, prompting the Presi
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database (event 5631320). Narrative written by NWS staff at the time of the event.
This event is one of many recorded floods in Orange County. See the full FEMA flood zone map, NFIP claim totals, and disaster history for the area.