Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Terrifying Video: Truck Driver Caught In Flash Flood As Storm Hits SoCal
Around 200 cars and trucks are stuck in mud as flash floods and mudslides triggered by a storm hit Southern California on Thursday.
On Highway 58, east of Tehachapi in Kern County, cars were stuck on the highway when mud as high as 20 feet overwhelmed the road. "I have never seen slides like this," Ray Pruitt, a spokesman for the Kern County Sheriff's Department, told the L.A. Times. Authorities say 115 cars and 75 trucks are trapped on Highway 58 between Mojave and Tehachapi, reports ABC 7.
A truck driver caught in the flooding on Highway 58 posted this terrifying video of his ordeal:
Support for LAist comes from
He, along with several other drivers stuck on the highway, were safely evacuated to shelters in Tehachapi and Mojave.
TRAFFIC UPDATE: Caltrans working to clear mud from SB I-5 to get some lanes open http://t.co/MCFDi31yzk @knxpete pic.twitter.com/ajk4e551A2
— CBS Los Angeles (@CBSLA) October 16, 2015
In Los Angeles County, the communities of Elizabeth Lake and Lake Hughes, both near Lancaster, were hit especially hard as mudslides flowed down hillsides like lava. The 5 freeway through the Grapevine will remain closed at least through the afternoon as crews work to clear the mud off the roadway.
The National Weather Service says there could be more on the way. A flash flood warning remains in effect on Friday in the Antelope Valley and the mountain areas of Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties, reports CBS LA. Forecasters say rain could continue to fall through Saturday.
Look at this car that got engulfed in mud in Elizabeth Lake. pic.twitter.com/y4CxpJXsPB
— eric spillman (@ericspillman) October 16, 2015
Flood waters rose so quickly - many abandoned their cars. This is what they found today. More on @NBCNightlyNews pic.twitter.com/MzJnun5aVX
— Miguel Almaguer (@Miguelnbc) October 16, 2015
Support for LAist comes from
Neighbors along #elizabethlake Rd surrounded by deep mud after heavy #rains shelters set up @CBSLA pic.twitter.com/4ayjoSBjZl
— JASMINE VIEL (@jasmineviel) October 16, 2015
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The critical findings are part of long-awaited after-action report was released Thursday. It contains recommendations for increasing emergency staffing and updating old systems. -
Diving has changed, mountain biking has been added. Here's where to watch the Olympics in person in 2028. -
'A Great Day in the Stoke' is a free, daylong event in Orange County billed as 'the largest gathering of Black surfers in history.' The fourth annual festival is set for Saturday in Huntington Beach. -
Kimmel returned less than a week after ABC suspended his show over comments he made about the assassination of right wing activist Charlie Kirk. -
Southern California might see some light rain tonight into Wednesday morning. After that, cooler weather is on the way, but expect the humidity to remain. -
A gate tax at Disney? It's a possibility.
Best of LAist