Hundreds of residents living near the scene of November's Woolsey fire were issued mandatory evacuation orders on Tuesday in order to prevent them from being engulfed by afternoon rains, which are expected to be heavy.

The Woolsey fire area in Ventura County and in the Malibu area in Los Angeles County is regarded by weather experts as the most vulnerable of the region's burn areas. Mandatory evacuations were ordered to begin starting at 8 a.m. for specific properties adjacent to steep slopes or at the base of drainages in the following Woolsey fire burn areas: Corral Canyon, El Nido, Escondido, Old Chimney, Escondido Drive, Latigo Canyon, Malibu West, Trancas Canyon, Malibu Lake, all of Ramirez Canyon Road and adjacent streets and the Paradise Cove Mobile Home Park and Restaurant in Malibu.

A statement on the City of Malibu's website read:

"Due to a significant storm that is expected to arrive this morning, Tuesday, January 15, some properties in the Woolsey Burn area will be under a mandatory evacuation order beginning at 8 a.m. If you are told to evacuate, follow the directions of law enforcement. A Red Cross shelter will be open at 9 a.m. at the South Gym at Santa Monica High School, 601 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. City Hall is open as a temporary refuge before 9 a.m. Large animals can be taken to Pierce College, 6201 Winnetka Ave., Woodland Hills or Hansen Dam, 11770 Foothill Blvd., Lake View Terrace."

People who are told to evacuate may take small animals to the Agoura Animal Care Center at 29525 Agoura Road.

The Red Cross shelter at Santa Monica High school will also accept small animals in crates or cages. 

Today's storm, which is expected to hit this afternoon, is potentially more potent that the one that hit yesterday. A flash flood watch will be in effect this afternoon and evening for most of the Southland, particularly the recent Woolsey and La Tuna fire burn areas, where rainfall rates could range from a half-inch to 1 inch per hour, along with the chance of isolated thunderstorms.

Members of the Malibu Search and Rescue Team will be patrolling the Woolsey fire burn zone to check on residents to ensure they are prepared for the upcoming storm and that they have a plan for the possibility of flooding, mudslides or debris flow.

Residents seeking more information are urged to call the City of Malibu at: 310-456-2489.

City News Service contributed to this report.