Mudslides spur evacuations of Modjeska, Silverado and Santiago canyons in Orange County

Amid fears that heavy rain could send boulders plummeting, Orange County officials are evacuating Modjeska, Silverado and Santiago canyons, where mudslides have swamped at least one home, according to a sheriff's spokesman.

"The roads are full of mud and it's difficult and dangerous," Orange County sheriff's spokesman Jim Amormino said, noting that during mudslides several years ago, a boulder toppled and killed a young girl.

Amormino did not know the extent of the evacuations or the number of people affected, although he said he knew of at least one home that had been flooded with mud.

Sheriff's deputies were having a tough time getting up into the canyons, he said.

RELATED:

Photos: Series of storms hits Southern California

Laguna Beach shop owners assess damage during break in the rain

Sheriff's officials warn residents in foothill communities to keep roads clear

-- Kate Linthicum