A powerful atmospheric river swept through California on Thursday, bringing intense rainfall that triggered flooding and mudslides in areas recently scorched by the Eaton and Palisades wildfires.
Malibu Hit Hard by Mud and Debris
Among the hardest-hit regions was Malibu, where mud and debris overwhelmed parts of the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and surrounding neighborhoods.
Local photographer Alexandra Datig captured video footage showing the extent of the destruction. In the clip, she narrates:
“This is PCH near Malibu’s city limits. There’s a massive debris flow spilling onto the highway and into the ocean right here in the burn zone.”
Datig also documented the Las Flores neighborhood, where floodwaters and mud had overtaken roadways and filled a restaurant parking lot. According to her observations, mud in some areas was 5-6 inches deep.
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Emergency Crews Work to Clear Roads
Authorities dispatched bulldozers and first responders to remove debris and restore access to affected areas. Flashing emergency lights could be seen in the distance as crews worked tirelessly to clear the damage.
Relentless Rainfall Overwhelms Burn Areas
The rainfall rate in parts of Los Angeles County was estimated at more than an inch per hour, far exceeding what the wildfire-scorched ground could absorb. This resulted in fast-moving floods and debris flows, posing a significant threat to residents and infrastructure.
Storm Impacts Across the State
While Southern California faced mudslides and highway closures, the storm also brought heavy rainfall to Northern California, causing flooding, rockslides, and emergency rescues in various communities. Authorities continue to assess the widespread damage left in the wake of the storm.
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