Southern California Hit by Mudslides After Powerful Winter Storm \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Residents of Sierra Madre, California, are digging out from mudslides and debris flows after a powerful winter storm dumped inches of rain on the region. The storm triggered evacuations, stranded vehicles, and left roads submerged in thick sludge, especially in areas scorched by wildfires. While the rain has stopped, officials warn that the risk of rockslides and flooding remains high. Meanwhile, winter weather is sweeping across the U.S., with snow, ice, and severe storms impacting multiple states.
Southern California Storm and Mudslides: Quick Looks
- Mudslides Bury Roads in Sierra Madre – A powerful winter storm triggered debris flows in Sierra Madre, burying roads in mud and boulders near the Eaton Fire burn scar.
- Evacuations Ordered in Fire-Damaged Areas – Officials evacuated residents in wildfire-scorched regions, warning that emergency personnel could not enter areas with active mudslides.
- Cars Trapped as Floodwaters Surge – Vehicles were stranded in deep mud in Sierra Madre, Pacific Palisades, and Malibu, where an LAFD firefighter escaped from a flooded vehicle.
- Cleanup Crews Race to Clear Roads – Bulldozers and emergency teams worked through Friday to remove debris and reopen mud-covered highways and streets.
- Winter Storms Slam Other U.S. Regions – The Pacific Northwest faced major highway pileups, while the Midwest and Northeast brace for snow, ice, and severe storms over the weekend.
- Polar Vortex to Bring Arctic Blast – Meteorologists warn that a powerful polar vortex will bring frigid temperatures to the northern Rockies and Plains starting Saturday.
- Kentucky Declares State of Emergency – Governor Andy Beshear issued a flood emergency ahead of heavy weekend rainfall, with 2 to 5 inches expected in some areas.
- Despite Storms, California Still in Drought – Climate experts say the recent heavy rain is helpful, but much of Southern California remains in extreme drought conditions.
Deep Look
A powerful winter storm swept through Southern California, leaving behind a trail of destruction in mountain communities near wildfire burn scars. Residents in Sierra Madre, located near the Eaton Fire burn scar, found themselves trapped by thick sludge and debris flows after the strongest storm of the season dumped inches of rain on the region.
While the skies cleared on Friday, the threat of rock and mudslides remains, as steep hillsides stripped of vegetation can continue to collapse even after the rain stops. The storm left roads buried in mud, stranded drivers, and prompted emergency evacuations for those living near unstable terrain.
Mudslides Engulf Sierra Madre as Debris Flows Swallow Roads
On Thursday night, a surge of water, boulders, and mud rushed down from the mountains, flooding streets in Sierra Madre. At least one car became trapped, and several homes sustained damage as garages filled with mud and debris.
“It happened very quickly, but it was very loud. You could feel the ground shaking,” said Bull Duvall, a longtime Sierra Madre resident.
City officials ordered evacuations in areas impacted by the Eaton Fire burn scar, warning that police, fire, and public works personnel would not enter active debris flow zones. Those who remained behind were told they must shelter in place until conditions improved.
In Altadena, a nearby community, a major road was buried in several feet of mud, trees, and debris, overwhelming concrete barriers meant to prevent mudslides. The area was nearly deserted on Friday as cleanup crews worked to clear the wreckage.
Further west, in Pacific Palisades, a highway intersection was submerged in three feet of thick sludge, forcing police to push stranded vehicles to safety. Bulldozers cleared roads in the same area where, just weeks ago, cars were abandoned as residents fled from wildfires.
Los Angeles Firefighter Injured in Malibu Flooding
Floodwaters also reached Malibu, where a Los Angeles Fire Department vehicle was swept into deep water. The firefighter inside managed to escape with minor injuries, according to LAFD spokesperson Erik Scott.
“Crews have been out all morning clearing mud-covered roads along the Pacific Coast Highway,” Scott said, sharing a video of the cleanup efforts on social media.
More Storms Expected as Winter Weather Sweeps Across the U.S.
While Southern California recovers, the rest of the United States is bracing for more extreme weather.
In the Pacific Northwest, a winter storm brought snow and ice, leading to massive pileups on highways in Oregon and Washington that left at least 10 people injured. The storm cut power to tens of thousands and made road conditions treacherous.
The National Weather Service warns that heavy snow will shift from the West into the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes over the weekend, while an icy mix spreads into the Northeast. Severe storms are expected in Texas and the Southeast, with the possibility of flooding in the Mississippi and Ohio River valleys.
Meanwhile, meteorologists are tracking what could be the 10th and coldest polar vortex event of the season. Frigid Arctic air is expected to plunge southward, bringing bitterly cold temperatures to the northern Rockies and Plains by Saturday and lingering into next week.
In Kentucky, Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency ahead of an expected 2 to 5 inches of rain, prompting flood watches through the weekend.
Southern California’s Rain Helps, but Drought Remains
Despite the relentless rain, much of Southern California is still facing severe drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
“While we desperately need the rain, getting it all at once like this can cause major damage,” said Daniel Swain, a climate scientist at UCLA.
Further south in Orange County, the burn scar from the Airport Fire caused Trabuco Canyon Road to become impassable, as mud and debris blocked access. Orange County Public Works reported flooded roads and cleanup efforts underway.
Meanwhile, in Las Vegas, Nevada, the storm finally ended a 214-day dry streak, bringing measurable rain to the desert city for the first time in months.
Snow and Ice Create Dangerous Conditions in Utah
In northern Utah, the storm delivered a mix of heavy snow and rain, creating dangerous conditions on mountain roads leading to ski resorts. The Utah Department of Transportation issued a road safety alert, warning drivers of reduced visibility and treacherous road conditions through Friday.
What’s Next? Ongoing Cleanup and More Rain on the Horizon
In Sierra Madre and across Southern California, cleanup crews are working tirelessly to remove mud, debris, and flood damage. Officials warn that unstable hillsides could still trigger additional landslides, particularly in areas recently burned by wildfires.
As the West Coast recovers, the rest of the nation is bracing for more severe winter weather, with snow, ice, and extreme cold threatening millions of Americans.
With more storms on the horizon, residents in vulnerable areas should remain on alert for flooding, debris flows, and hazardous road conditions in the coming days.
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