Mud slides, trees fall and power is zapped as 3-day storm lashes Southern California

By Yosi Yahoudai
Founder and Managing Partner

A flood watch remained in effect as steady rain continued to fall across much of Southern California on Tuesday, midway into a three-day storm threatening mudslides and flooding throughout the region.

The storm closed Knotts Berry Farm for the second day in a row on Tuesday, dozens of trees were reported down in Los Angeles, and thousands of customers had their power restored.

“The threat of flash flooding is minimal today (Tuesday), but due to the potential for moderate to heavy rain moving in tonight into Wednesday morning, a flood watch remains in effect through Wednesday morning for most of southwest California,” the National Weather Service said.

Updated rain map: What parts of Orange County are getting soaked

As of Tuesday morning, the city of Los Angeles received 87 reports of fallen trees, 39 reports of flooding and 31 reports of debris and mudflows. There were still 460 Los Angeles Department of Water and Power customers without power after it was restored to more than 29,000 others.

Los Angeles County Public Works officials reiterated their debris flow forecast for the Land fire burn area east of Sun Valley.

The alert will be in effect until 9 a.m. Wednesday, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department, which said moderate flooding and mudflow/sediment deposition should be anticipated in the area of McDonald Creek, Del Arroyo Drive and La Tuna Canyon Road.

Persistent rain drenches Southern California anew, prompting more flood worries

Road closures were in effect on Mulholland Drive, and the Sepulveda Basin was closed. CalTrans has also closed the northbound 405 freeway off-ramp at Skirball Drive because of a sinkhole.

Although there were concerns of a mudslide in Rancho Palos Verdes, prompting residents to ask the state for assistance, no significant damage was reported as of mid-Tuesday afternoon.

Disneyland planned to close two hours early on Tuesday, and Knott’s Berry Farm closed for a second day. Sea World San Diego also closed early.

Orange County and Inland Empire authorities also reported no widespread damage as of Tuesday afternoon.

Dry weather and warmer temperatures are expected to return Thursday and Friday, before another bout of light rain next weekend.

About the Author

Yosi Yahoudai is a founder and the managing partner of J&Y. His practice is comprised primarily of cases involving automobile and motorcycle accidents, but he also represents people in premises liability lawsuits, including suits alleging dangerous conditions of public property, third-party criminal conduct, and intentional torts. He also has expertise in cases involving product defects, dog bites, elder abuse, and sexual assault. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of California and is admitted to practice in all California State Courts, and the United States District Court for the Southern District of California. If you have any questions about this article, you can contact Yosi by clicking here.