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Flash flood watch issued for Camp Fire burn areas

No evacuations are in place, but the Butte County Sheriff's Office says residents should be prepared to leave if flooding occurs.

UPDATE (2 P.M.): 

In a note posted on Facebook, the Butte County Sheriff's Department issued an evacuation warning for the community of Pulga, "due to potential for flooding, debris flow and soil instability in the area."

The evacuation warning is in effect through 9 p.m. Jan. 20. 

Original Story:

OROVILLE, Calif. (AP) — Another Pacific storm moving into Northern California has prompted a flash flood watch for communities hit by last year's devastating wildfire.

Originally the National Weather Service said mud and debris flows were possible in and around the town of Paradise and issued the warning through 9 p.m. Sunday. However, later in the day NWS changed the warning and set it to end at 5:45 p.m. 

A Flash Flood Watch has been issued for today until 9pm for the Camp Fire burn area. Periods of heavy rainfall over this burned area could produce ash and debris flow.

Forecasters say thunderstorms packing heavy rainfall could cause small rivers and creeks to rise quickly.

No evacuations have been ordered but the Butte County Sherriff's Office says residents should be prepared to leave if flooding occurs.

The department urges anyone who notices soil instability or debris flow to immediately call 911. 

"Do not wait for a Flash Flood Warning in order to take steps to protect life and property as these hazards may develop before a  warning can be issued," the department said. "There may be very little time to react once the storms and rain start."

Magalia resident Todd Williamson told ABC10 he was not concerned about the flash flood watch.

"Where I live, I don’t think there’s a big threat," Williamson said.

Meanwhile, Kathy Nemeth, said she was grateful for the alert she received on her phone, and is going to stay home until the watch is over.

"I'm staying in. My family was going to come up from Chico, but I don’t want them coming up anymore. I''m just living in fear," Nemeth added.

Paradise was virtually incinerated two months ago by the Camp Fire that killed 86 people and destroyed nearly 15,000 homes. 

California was walloped last week by winter storms that caused at least five deaths and left thousands without power.

RELATED: 

Are you in the area and affected by flooding? Continue the conversation with ABC10 Reporter Daniela Pardo.  

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WATCH MORE: A flash flood watch out is in effect for areas affected by the Camp Fire. ABC10's Harry Stockman has the local forecast below. 

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