SoCal communities left with mud, damage after days of wet weather

The Wrightwood community is asked to shelter in place due to mud and debris flows, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.

"Do not attempt to walk or drive through flooded areas," the sheriff's department said in a social media post.

The powerful storm triggered flash flooding that swept through homes as heavy rain pounded the area, video shows. San Bernardino County Fire went door to door to evacuate residents trapped by the water.

The powerful storm triggered flash flooding and mudslides in mountain communities in the Inland Empire.

Along Highway 2, a raging river of mud, rocks and debris cut off access to and from the mountain community.

Firefighters helped motorists trapped in their vehicles, while responding to calls for swift-water rescue.

Cal Fire San Bernardino assisted county crews as conditions quickly deteriorated. Emergency responders are on high alert especially in areas impacted by wildfires.

If you're planning to hit the road this Christmas Eve, be careful! Multiple roads are shut down in the Inland Empire due to flooding from the storm that continues to slam the region.

The north 15 Freeway at state route 138 is backed up all the way to the 210 Freeway by the San Bernardino National Forest due to mud and a sinkhole likely caused by the heavy rain.
Delays of over two hours are expected.

More than half of the northbound side of the 15 Freeway was covered with mud and debris at one point, with only one northbound lane open.

"We gotta see my mom, you know it's Christmas," said Peter Buereas.

When asked if he knew how long that would take, Buereas said, "You know it's funny, it said three and a half hours, and then we get here and it said six."

In Hesperia, flooding prompted an emergency closure between the EB/WB 15 Freeway and Summit Valley Road for an unknown duration, according to Caltrans District 8.

The east and westbound 138 Freeway is also closed between Old Mill Road and state route 173 due to flooding.

An evacuation order has been issued for the community of Lytle Creek amid an intense storm hitting Southern California. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department asks residents in the evacuation zone to "gather essential belongings, secure your property if time permits, and evacuate without delay."

"Avoid flooded roads and areas impacted by debris. Stay informed through official channels and follow all directions from public safety officials," the sheriff's department said.

Mandatory evacuation orders are in effect for those living near the Airport Fire burn scar.

This includes the areas of Trabuco Creek, including the RC Airport, fire station, the campground/park and school, Bell Canyon, including Starr Ranch and Hot Springs Canyon, including Lazy-W Ranch.

Mandatory evacuation orders are in effect for those living near the Airport Fire burn scar.

Road closures are in place at Trabuco Canyon Road at Rose Canyon, Plano Trabuco near Robinson Ranch, Grey Rock at Bell Canyon, and Hot Springs Canyon at Ortega Highway.

If you live in Orange County and are affected, there's a reception center for displaced residents at the Foothill Ranch Library Program Annex adjacent to the library at 27002 Cabriole Way. Meantime, the OC Animal Care shelter at 1630 Victory Road in Tustin will be available to care for evacuated residents' small pets.

Large animal owners can contact OC Animal Care at 714-935-6848, or 714-259-1122 after hours, for sheltering options.

City News Service, Inc. contributed to this report.