Voluntary evacuation order issued in Monterey County

A voluntary evacuation order was issued Sunday evening for residents along the Big Sur River from Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park to Andrew Molera State Park in Monterey County because of possible flooding, a sheriff’s sergeant said.

The order was issued at about 6:30 p.m., Sgt. Alex Aguayo said.

The river was above its flood stage of 10 feet at 7:43 p.m. The river level was at 11.6 feet, though it was coming down, National Weather Service forecaster Bob Benjamin said.

The river should be back in its banks by around 11 p.m.

Weather officials were also concerned about the flow of wildfire debris in Monterey County, which could damage homes, but so far that has not been a problem, Benjamin said.