Mudslides bury roads, trap drivers in southern California after heavy rain
San Bernardino County communities faced road closures and stranded motorists as mudslides carried trees and rocks in the wake of a storm.
Flooding and mudslides in southern California buried roads, damaged homes and trapped drivers in several communities Thursday, authorities said. The Associated Press reported that the incidents affected Forest Falls, Oak Glen and Potato Canyon in San Bernardino County, according to the county Fire Protection District. A group of about 10 people traveling in at least six vehicles was stranded on state Route 38 near Jenks Lake, in the area of the San Bernardino National Forest, the district said. The group was cut off by debris in both directions, but they were safe and their needs were being evaluated by emergency crews. The route remained closed as of Friday morning, the California Highway Patrol said.
As of Thursday night, there were no reports of injuries or missing people linked to the mudslides, the district said. The slides followed heavy rainfall, and the National Weather Service had issued flash flood warnings for the area.
San Bernardino County Fire said it was planning for a full operational period the next day, with priorities focused on completing damage assessments, supporting affected residents, and addressing critical infrastructure needs in partnership with CAL FIRE, Caltrans and other allied agencies.