SoCal storm brings power outages, flooding, mudslides, traffic messes

ByMarc Cota-Robles and ABC7.com staff KABC logo
Saturday, January 21, 2017
Storm triggers mudslides, flooding, traffic tie-ups
The second of three big storms caused mudslides in Duarte and other problems throughout Southern California.

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- As the second of three big storms pounded Southern California on Friday, roads were flooded, homes were threatened by mudslides and traffic was clogged up on many freeways and surface streets.

The storm also knocked out power to at least 10,000 customers in Los Angeles, according to the LA Department of Water and Power. Some of the outages were caused by trees falling on power lines, DWP said.

The utility is working to restore power. Downed power lines can be reported to DWP at 1-800-DIAL-DWP.

Flash flood and thunderstorm warnings were issued for many parts of the region, with high surf and coastal flooding advisories at coastal communities.

RELATED: Flash flood warnings issued for SoCal

Rescue crews were kept busy as well. Two men in an RV were trapped in a flooded section of Burbank Boulevard near the Sepulveda basin in the San Fernando Valley and were safely rescued by Los Angeles firefighters. One was brought to a local hospital for evaluation.

Separately, at least four other people were rescued from flooded homeless encampments in the area.

The southbound 405 Freeway at Burbank Boulevard was closed because of flooding in that area.

Trees fell on power lines in Beverly Glen and other areas, knocking to power to at least 10,000 customers in Los Angeles on Friday, Jan. 20, 2017.

Canyon roads in Malibu were also closed because of rockslides and flooding, Caltrans said.

Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu was closed in both directions at Sunset because of downed power lines, according to Malibu city officials.

Hillside communities in Duarte and other burn areas were subjected to mudslides. Mud flowed freely over and around k-rails set up in Duarte, flowing through neighborhood streets and some residential yards.

The northbound 15 Freeway in the Cajon Pass was at one point closed around 12:30 p.m., but at least one lane was later reopened.

Detailed current Los Angeles County road closure information is available at the Department of Public Works website.

Up to two inches of rain were expected in parts of Los Angeles and Orange counties on Friday.

RELATED: Latest weather forecasts from ABC7

While the skies are expected to clear up Saturday, a third storm is expected to soak SoCal on Sunday and Monday. It could bring up to 2-3 inches of rain and additional flooding in burn areas.

City News Service contributed to this report.