Heavy rain drenched the Southland Thursday as yet another storm rode an atmospheric river into the region, pounding fire-denuded hillsides with water and causing widespread street closures and flood warnings.
Mud and debris flowed onto Topanga Canyon Boulevard, forcing a closure of the road between Pacific Coast Highway and Grand View Drive and leaving a number of motorists stranded. Flood waters also temporarily closed a long stretch of Carbon Canyon Road in Brea, as well as a series of streets in Burbank hillside areas.
Rock falls were reported in Malibu Canyon, where at least two vehicles were struck by the falling debris, but no injuries were reported.
Street flooding was reported across the area as the rain fell throughout the morning and into the early afternoon. The National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch for the Woolsey, Hill, and South burn areas that remained in effect until early afternoon. A flood advisory was issued for the rest of the county, but it was allowed to expire at 2:15 p.m.
“The heaviest rain has ended, however, there will continue to be scattered showers across Los Angeles County this afternoon,” according to the NWS. “Some of these showers could produce brief heavy downpours. There could still be some residual pockets of roadway flooding across the county due to the heavier rain earlier (Thursday).”
The situation was more dire in southeastern Orange County, where a flood warning was expected to remain in place until at least 5:15 p.m. Forecasters said rain was continuing to fall in valley and foothill areas, producing “excessive runoff into creeks and rivers.”
Although the rain was expected to taper off Thursday night, more precipitation could still be on the way.
“Rain, gusty winds and mountain snow will diminish later (Thursday) as the storm moves out of the area,” according to the NWS. “Another chance for rain is possible late (Thursday night) into (Friday) morning. Showers could linger into the weekend, but dry conditions are expected next week.”
A wind advisory will remain in effect until 7 p.m. in the Los Angeles County mountains and Antelope Valley, where winds of 20 to 30 mph are anticipated, with occasional gusts up to 55 mph.
In addition to forcing road closures and flooding, the storm forced a daylong closure of the Knott’s Berry Farm and Six Flags Magic Mountain theme parks. It also delayed play at the Genesis Open golf tournament at Riviera Country Club, and it forced the cancellation of a Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony for rock band Aerosmith.
Forecasters said a cold system will move into the area Friday afternoon, likely dropping the snow level to about 4,000 feet, but with far less likelihood of rain. Snowfall will be possible on the Golden State (5) Freeway in the Grapevine by Friday night, according to the NWS.