Cleanup efforts underway across Southern California ahead of another storm

A stretch of Topanga Canyon Boulevard remained closed between Pacific Coast Highway and Grand View Drive on Saturday after morning rain resulted in a minor rockfalls and debris flows, officials said.

Caltrans crews evaluating the highway "noted several minor debris flows as well as locations where small-to-medium-sized rocks had fallen onto the highway from slopes throughout the work zone," the agency said in a statement. "Maintenance crews were working to clear the debris."

The section of Topanga Canyon Boulevard was closed Thursday night as a precaution in anticipation of the atmospheric river storm that arrived in Southern California on Friday.

The roadway will reopen after the storms pass and crews have removed all hazards, according to Caltrans. Crews were also monitoring the recovery work zone on nearby Pacific Coast Highway, but there were no major impacts as of Saturday morning.

Motorists are encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel during this storm. If traveling, check local weather alerts before heading out and use headlights and wipers when driving through rainstorms, Caltrans said. Expect delays and never drive through moving water. Remember, standing water may be deeper than it appears.

As the brunt of a major storm moved across Southern California on Saturday morning, the National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for a swath of Los Angeles County stretching from Santa Clarita to Glendora.

The warning is scheduled to expire at noon.

The affected area is populated by more than 4.5 million people and includes Burbank, Griffith Park, North Hollywood, Universal City, Pasadena, Hollywood, Van Nuys, downtown L.A., Mount Wilson, Alhambra, Beverly Hills, Encino, Northridge, Santa Clarita, Chatsworth, Woodland Hills, West Covina, Glendora, Altadena, Sunland, and the Eaton Fire burn zone.

Residents were urged to move to immediately move to higher ground and move away from burn scar areas.

An earlier flash flood warning was issued until noon Saturday for Torrance, Compton and Inglewood.

The city of Los Angeles issued an evacuation warning through 11 a.m. Sunday for residents near the Palisades, Hurst and Sunset fire burn zones. Mayor Karen Bass said evacuation orders will be in effect through 8 a.m. Sunday for "select vulnerable properties within burn scar areas."

LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said 126 homes were impacted by the evacuation order, all in the Palisades Fire burn area.

The Run Malibu 5K event scheduled for Saturday morning in Camarillo was canceled as the second phase of a major storm moved in off the coast of Southern California, pummeling the area with heavy rain.

"Safety first! Due to heavy standing water on the course and at the start/finish line, we've had to cancel today's 5K. Thank you for understanding," Run Malibu said in a statement on its Facebook page.

"Expo will be open today for the Half Marathon, please stay tuned for more updates as we get them," the statement said.

The half marathon is scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. Sunday at El Dorado Park on the campus of Cal State Channel Islands.

As a major storm moved into Southern California, a massive tree fell over onto a residential street overnight Friday in Lake Balboa, crushing an unoccupied sedan that was parked curbside.

No injuries were reported. The 7300 block of Oak Park Avenue remained closed Saturday morning as the cleanup operation got underway in the neighborhood just north of Sherman Way.

The National Weather Service urged homeowners to ensure gutters are cleared and windshield wipers are secure and working. They said people should consider rescheduling outdoor events, and advised motorists to avoid driving through flooded areas.

As a major storm moved into Southern California, a massive tree fell over onto a residential street in Lake Balboa, crushing an unoccupied sedan that was parked curbside.

"Avoid the roads, stay indoors as much as possible, and stay aware of your environment," forecasters said. "If you have to drive, allow extra time as traffic will be increased due to slippery roads, low visibility, and localized flooding. If you are near a burn scar, heed the advice of local officials as they know your area best. Reschedule and avoid outdoor activities. If you are outside and hear thunder, see lightning, experience sudden wind shifts, or a sudden increase in rain intensity, head indoors immediately and stay away from windows. Stay out of, and far away from, any streams, rivers, and canyons -- especially campers. Avoid parking near tall trees. Be ready for sudden power outages. Boaters, please stay in a safe harbor. For everyone, stay tuned to your local news outlet and weather.gov for any updates."

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department issued a statement earlier this week, urging people to be prepared, offering a series of tips:

• Drive carefully, slow down and allow extra stopping distance
• Avoid flooded roads, turn around, wait it out
• Prepare your property by gathering sand bags and checking gutters and drains
• Check the condition of your vehicle and replace windshield wipers and tires if needed