LOS ANGELES (KNX 1070 NEWSRADIO)  -- Despite fears of major mudslides and possible flash floods in areas ravaged by October's wildfires, there were no reports of any serious problems resulting from a heavier-than-expected rainstorm that made its way across Southern California on Friday.

There were some minor mud-flows in some areas, but the worst impact actually seemed to be on the roads -- where the wet weather caused a number of major accidents and traffic delays.

During the day Friday, residents were ordered to leave 200 homes in Orange County's Modjeska and Williams canyons. Sheriff's deputies went door-to-door to alert residents to the risks, and an emergency shelter was even set up at an area high school.  But those evacuation orders were lifted by 9:00 Friday night. 

In north-central San Diego County, more than 2 inches of rain fell in the vicinity of vast areas burned by the Poomacha and Rice wildfires of late October, the weather service said, prompting a flash flood warning late Friday.

Firefighters and residents also kept an eye on Malibu, where the most recent blaze fanned by powerful, dry Santa Ana winds scorched 4,900 acres on slopes and in canyons of the Santa Monica Mountains.

Downtown Los Angeles had a half-inch of rain by evening -- not much by normal standards but relatively significant in the course of the West's long dry spell. Just 3.21 inches were recorded there in the rain-year that ended June 30. Average annual rainfall is 15.14 inches.