OAK GLEN, Calif. (AP) — Mudslides and debris flows knocked down trees, plowed into homes, and trapped drivers for over 10 hours after several Southern California communities were hit with heavy rain.
No injuries were reported, and all individuals trapped in the mudslides were rescued. Christopher Prater, a public information officer for San Bernardino County Fire, confirmed the safety of all residents affected by the storm.
The community was pounded by intense rains exceeding two inches over a short period, as remnants of Tropical Storm Mario struck the mountainous regions, causing substantial mudslides.
Areas most affected include Forest Falls, Oak Glen, and Potato Canyon. State Route 38, which connects cities east of Los Angeles to Big Bear Lake, experienced significant disruptions, particularly around Jenks Lake.
A driver, Kael Steel, shared his experience as he attempted to navigate the hazardous conditions, noting the sudden appearance of falling rocks and blocked roads.
California Highway Patrol reported that the affected routes remained closed Friday morning while damage assessment teams prepared to evaluate the extent of destruction in impacted areas.
The recent downpour represents a continuing pattern for this region, which has seen severe weather events culminating from droughts, wildfires, and other natural disasters in recent years. According to meteorologist Kyle Wheeler, the rain levels were far above the usual rates expected during summer thunderstorms, prompting severe flooding in already vulnerable locations.
