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Rain and snow bring relief to SoCal, but also chaos to roads as officials worry about mudslides in fire zones
Snow accumulates on a structure that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire near major communications towers on Mount Wilson.
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David McNew
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Getty Images
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The first major rain storm of the year resulted in road and school closures Monday as officials warn of possible landslides, particularly where recent fires have stripped hillsides of vegetation.
Rainfall is expected to last until 4 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.
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It's early in the season for snow, and levels are approaching historical averages or over them. -
Southern California Edison received 1,500 applications for its Eaton Fire compensation program and paid out 82 after close to two months. -
California is writing rules to limit plants around buildings to protect them from wildfires, after the Los Angeles fires a year ago.
Road closures
Caltrans reopened the 5 Freeway after closing the roadway between Parker Road in Castaic and Grapevine Road in Kern County for most of the morning due to snow. Officials warned the road is still slippery and motorists were advised to drive carefully.
Topanga Canyon Boulevard at Pacific Coast Highway is also closed because of mud.
🚧 SR27 #Topanga Canyon Blvd is closed at #PCH SR1 due to mud & debris. These photos taken Sun. 1/26. See current closures on state highways at https://t.co/O37QesJHpw - The recent fires increased risk of mudslides, flash floods & debris flows. #PalisadesFire #EatonFire pic.twitter.com/vnCLh1gPBS
— Caltrans District 7 (@CaltransDist7) January 27, 2025
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Rain is expected to taper off Monday afternoon, paving the way for clear conditions this week.
School closures
After the National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning on Sunday for the area of the Franklin Fire burn scar, Malibu officials announced schools will be closed Monday.
Webster Elementary, Malibu Elementary, Malibu Middle and Malibu High schools are all closed in anticipation of possible mud and debris on local roads and unsafe driving conditions.
If you must head out in the rain, check out our guide for driving in the rain.
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