Storm cleanup expected to take weeks in Antelope Valley
QUARTZ HILL, Calif. (KABC) -- The cleanup of mud continued Saturday for Antelope Valley residents, and it is expected to take weeks after a dangerous storm flooded highways, homes and cars with rivers of mud.
Recovery will take significantly longer for the hardest hit areas, including Quartz Hill, Tehachapi, Leona Valley and Lake Hughes in northern Los Angeles County, which were struck by the torrential rain on Thursday.
The muddy mess prompted Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich to call for a state of emergency to be declared for northern Los Angeles County in order to free up resources to support recovery efforts.
Thick coats of mud flow seeped into homes, damaging properties and goods. Neighbors were helping neighbors clean up after the mudslide mess.
"The recovery of memories is priceless," said Crystal Johnson, a resident affected by the storm. "The cost of repairs and replacing of personal belongings is simply overwhelming."
Major highways and open spaces were also affected. Over 200 vehicles were trapped in a river of mud as State Route 58 washed out in Tehachapi and is expected to remain closed for several more days.
"It's about what we can do now," said Johnson. "What we can do today."
