SoCal hit by mudslides, flooding as powerful storm slams region

A flash flood warning was issued for the Palisades Fire burn area as heavy rain increases the risk for life-threatening debris flow, the NWS said.

The warning is set to be in place until 8 p.m. Thursday.

The National Weather Service said the following areas may experience flash flooding: Malibu, Topanga State Park, Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, Topanga Canyon Road through the Santa Monica Mountains and Mandeville Canyon.

A flash flood warning was also issued for the Franklin Fire burn scar area in Malibu, specifically for Malibu Canyon / Los Virgenes Roads through the Santa Monica Mountains.

Strong winds and rain slick roads made for a treacherous commute in the Santa Clarita area on Thursday.

Strong winds and rain slick roads made for a treacherous commute in the Santa Clarita area on Thursday.

Commuters said they were expecting the rain but the winds caught them off guard.

"My van is skidding all over the place...because of the wind," said one driver. "It's dangerous out there. Everyone, just stay inside if you have no business going out."

"Strong winds, they have the potential to raise debris in the air, broken tree limbs can go flying as well, and the potential issue there is if they make contact with an electrical line or a power pole. That could cause a power outage," said Gabriela Ornelas with Southern California Edison.

A tractor-trailer jackknifed at the intersection of the 60 and 215 freeways in Riverside Thursday morning as rain made for a treacherous commute.

A tractor-trailer jackknifed at the intersection of the 60 and 215 freeways in Riverside Thursday morning as rain made for a treacherous commute.

A rockslide blocked part of Malibu Canyon Road on Thursday as steady rain caused debris to fall onto lanes.

A rockslide blocked part of Malibu Canyon Road on Thursday as steady rain caused debris to fall onto lanes.

The Franklin Fire a few months ago burned both sides of Malibu Canyon Road.

Crews were able to quickly remove the rocks, but parts of Malibu Canyon Road and other surrounding roads were closed due to the high risk of rock and mudslides amid the storm.

That includes Pacific Coast Highway, which will remain closed between Chautauqua Boulevard and Carbon Beach Terrace in Malibu until at least 6 a.m. on Friday, according to Cal Trans.