A potent storm wreaked havoc on the roads of California, resulting in widespread chaos and disruption. All public schools in Malibu made the decision to close on Friday due to the combination of road closures, ongoing concerns about mud flows, and the need for clean-up following the recent storm, as stated in a district announcement. While additional rainfall was forecasted to persist through Friday, the National Weather Service reassured that the most severe conditions had passed. The rain on Thursday shattered a daily record at Fresno Yosemite International Airport, with precipitation reaching 1.12 inches within a single day, surpassing the previous record of 1.08 inches set in 2000.
In response to the devastation caused by the storm, crews were promptly dispatched to clear the roads buried under mudslides. Hundreds of personnel had been strategically positioned in advance of the storm to be prepared for emergency response and recovery operations once the worst conditions had subsided. Both the Los Angeles County Public Works and the California Department of Public Transportation initiated efforts to clear roads obstructed by mudslides, urging residents to steer clear of flooded areas to facilitate the rapid removal of debris and the reopening of major thoroughfares.
A cautionary advisory was issued by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, urging individuals to avoid areas affected by mudflows, debris flows, or high water until they were deemed safe by local authorities or public officials. A dramatic incident occurred on Thursday evening when a firefighter from the Los Angeles Fire Department had his vehicle swept off the road and plunged into the ocean by a massive debris flow while driving in Malibu, according to spokesperson Erik Scott. Fortunately, the firefighter managed to extricate himself from the vehicle and was transported to a nearby hospital with minor injuries.
The aftermath of the storm saw roads submerged in mud and landslides triggered across California, underscoring the destructive impact of nature’s forces on the region.
