Rain triggers small mudslides in Palisades Fire burn area; Pacific Coast Highway closed
LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The second in a pair of back-to-back storm systems moved across Southern California overnight, triggering minor mudslides in the Palisades Fire burn area and keeping public works crews and first responders on alert.
One small mudslide was spotted Friday morning at Palisades Drive, where the mud appears to have slid down the hill and past the K-rails that were set up along the road ahead of the storm. The roadway was cleared by 11 a.m.
Another mud flow was seen on Pacific Coast Highway, just north of Big Rock Drive in Malibu. Caltrans crews removed about 10 truckloads of debris at that scene with a bulldozer.
Meanwhile, PCH is completely closed between Chautauqua Boulevard in Los Angeles and Carbon Beach Terrace in Malibu until further notice because of the risk of mud and debris flows.
"Out of an abundance of caution, the highway must be closed due to soft soils on both the hill and ocean sides of the road," according to a statement from Caltrans. "Mud and debris flows may occur and canyons may overtop, blocking the road or causing further damage."
Only essential workers -- such as first responders, recovery agencies and utility companies - will be able to access PCH in the closure area, according to Caltrans.
Residents with passes will still be able to return to their homes in Pacific Palisades via Chautauqua.
Rain creates traffic mess across SoCal
Elsewhere across Southern California, the steady light rain created slick roads and led to some flooding and early morning car crashes.
A truck was spotted floating down the L.A. River in Long Beach overnight.
It happened just after 2 a.m. near Wardlow Road and Willow Street along the 710 Freeway. The truck was seen floating backward as the current of the water swept it away.
Luckily, fire crews who responded said the truck was empty.
City News Service contributed to this report.
