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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
/
Getty Images
)
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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Philanthropic funds helped purchase a burned lot that used to have 14 rental units. Supporters hope the project can be a model for rebuilding equitably for renters. -
Jonathan Rinderknecht has pleaded not guilty to arson, among other crimes related to the destructive and deadly January fire. -
More than 13 inches of rain fell in the Santa Ynez Mountains over the weekend. And another, colder storm is on the way.
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.
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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
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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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
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