PHOTOS: Mudslides, Flooding Strand Motorists on Interstate 5 in Los Angeles County

By Kevin Byrne, AccuWeather.com Staff Writer

October 17,2015; 8:42PM,EDT

 

 

Heavy rain in Southern California triggered flash flooding and mudslides on Thursday, leaving motorists stranded and forcing closures of major roadways.
The National Weather Service in Los Angeles reported heavy rain and life-threatening flooding in the Antelope Valley in the vicinity of Leona Valley, Quartz Hill and West Palmdale, California. Rainfall amounts between 4-6 inches have been reported near Fremont Dam and Leona Valley, the NWS said.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department said it responded to multiple rescues due to the storms.

Driver Seeks Refuge Atop Semi as Flooding Sweeps Across Southern California

Interstate 5 on the Grapevine remained closed Friday due to the flooding and mudslides, the California Highway Patrol said. After a geologist surveyed the road Friday morning, Highway Patrol said northbound I-5 was reopened around 1 p.m. local time, while two southbound lanes reopened after 4 p.m.
The city of Palmdale declared a local disaster as a result of the mudslides.
"Spotty showers and thunderstorms will continue through Saturday," AccuWeather Meteorologist Courtney Spamer said.
Cars became stranded in heavy mud Thursday afternoon near Lake Hughes, California. (Photo/Los Angeles County Department of Public Works)
More than 8,700 Southern California Edison customers lost power as a result of the storms, the utility reported Thursday evening. By Friday afternoon, the number of outages was up to more than 10,000.
This flooding event may serve as a preview for what a strong El Niño could bring to the region.
"The strong El Niño will result in an increased frequency of heavy rain events and storm severity across California as we head deeper into fall and then winter," AccuWeather Meteorologist Ben Noll said. "This includes the risk for flooding and mudslides."

California Mudslides Leave Drivers Stranded on Interstate 5

With more rain in the forecast, cleanup efforts began near the Lake Hughes area on Friday to remove an estimated 200,000 cubic yards of mud.
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In Los Angeles County, several roads were closed due to flooding and mudslides. (Twitter Photo/LA County Public Works)
Heavy rain triggered mudslides across the region on Thursday. (Twitter Photo/LA County Public Works)
Crews worked to remove cars stuck in mud on Interstate 5 in Los Angeles County. (Twitter Photo/Caltrans District 7)
The Los Angeles County Fire Department rescued six people and six dogs from two houses by using an aerial ladder on Wednesday. (Twitter Photo/@LAcoFDPIO)
Major roadways remained closed into Friday morning in Los Angeles County. (Twitter Photo/LA County Public Works)
Grapevine was shut down due to a mudslide on Thursday. (Twitter Photo/Caltrans District 6)
Interstate 5 was closed after heavy rain triggered mudslides in the Los Angeles area. (Twitter Photo/Caltrans District 7)
AccuWeather Staff Writer Mark Leberfinger contributed to this story.