Heavy Rains Trigger Mudslides in Burn Areas, Residents on Alert

Heavy rain overnight and into this morning has wrecked havoc on the burned and now over-burdened hillsides in areas affected by last summer's Station Fire. At least 7 homes have been reported destroyed in the Pickens Canyon area of La Crescenta [map] after a catch basin was overrun with debris flow, as well as damage to vehicles along Ocean View Boulevard, according to LA Now and KTLA.

Mud and debris in the area is described as being "knee-deep" in some places, and was forceful enough to push through the k-rails set in place. Just after 8 this morning, LA County Fire officials cautioned "residents who live high up on Ocean View Boulevard and its side streets to stay inside their homes until work crews can clear the mud from their streets." Evacuation orders have not been issued, chiefly because "the streets in the area are too dangerous to travel and some streets are impassable." Those who did try to leave by car were ensnarled in dangerous traffic jams.

Elsewhere in Southern California, flooding and heavy rain has caused numerous accidents and freeway closures, as well as other weather-related emergencies, including a hillside collapse in San Pedro, impassable roads in Tujunga, deadly accidents in Santa Clarita and the City of Industry, and closures on the 710 Freeway at Willow Street in Long Beach. The rain is expected to resume late this afternoon through this evening.