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Toddler missing and homes damaged as heavy rain causes flooding and mudslides
A mudslide occurred in the Forest Falls community of San Bernardino County on the night of September 18, 2025.
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San Bernardino County Fire Department
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via Facebook
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Heavy rain caused by the remnants of Tropical Storm Mario resulted in flooding and mudslides on Thursday in San Bernardino County.
Debris swept through the Potato Canyon, Oak Glen and Forest Falls communities — north of Beaumont and south of Big Bear Lake — starting at about 4 p.m. on Thursday, according to the San Bernardino County Fire Department. Multiple flash flood warnings were issued by the National Weather Service, as rainfall rates reached 1.5 inches per hour. More than 2 inches of rain fell across parts of the area.
Where things stand
Crews were still working to get into the communities to do damage assessments as of Friday morning. Highway 38 was blocked at Valley of the Falls Drive.
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On the other side of the San Bernardino Mountains in Barstow, a car was swept off the road at about 7:15 p.m. Driver Brandon Aguilera was rescued by the Barstow Fire Department; his 2-year-old son was carried away by the rushing water. The boy has yet to be found, according to the Barstow Police Department.
A 2-year-old is missing after his father's car was swept off the road in Barstow on Thursday.
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Barstow Police Department
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The threat of heavy rainfall is largely gone, though we could see light moisture early next week.
Dangerous waters
The damage is a reminder of how powerful and fast-moving storms and their aftermath can be.
Check out some of the footage captured over the last day, and keep reading for resources to keep yourself and your loved ones safe in the next storm.
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It's not too late to prepare for the next emergency.
Sign up for emergency alerts
- L.A. city: Notify L.A.
- L.A. County: Ready L.A. County
- Ventura County: Ready Ventura County
- Orange County: AlertOC
- Riverside County: AlertRivCo
- San Bernardino County
Tips for driving in the rain
Advice on driving in the rain:
- Check weather and road conditions all along your planned route.
- Slow down.
- Keep a wider-than-usual distance between your vehicle and the one in front.
- Don't drive through standing water — as little as 12 inches of rushing water can carry away most cars, and 2 feet can carry away SUVs and trucks.
- Make sure tires are fully inflated.
- Check windshield wiper blades and replace if necessary.
Read more: What you should do if you end up driving in a flooded area
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Downed tree, power line or flooded road?
Dial 911 if it's an emergency.
However, if you need to report a flooded road or a downed tree, you can call the following non-emergency numbers:
- L.A. city: Dial 311 for a flooded road or downed tree. Call (800) DIAL-DWP if you see a downed power line.
- L.A. County: (800) 675-HELP
- Ventura County: (805) 384-1500
- Orange County: (714) 955-0200 or visit here.
If you're in L.A. County and need sand bags you can find some at local fire houses.
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