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Neighborhoods in Sierra Madre saw significant mud and debris flow as the biggest storm of 2025 pelted Southern California with rain.The worst of 2025's biggest storm so far has passed, but the risk of mudslide and debris flow remains, particularly in areas scarred by the recent wildfires.
Forecasters and local officials say mud and rock slides can still happen well after the rain has subsided. Evacuation orders remain in place for some areas of Sierra Madre as well as in Orange County as of Friday morning.A member of the Los Angeles Fire Department was in a vehicle that got swept into the ocean by a mudslide. LAFD says he was able to escape with minor injuries. The National Weather Service said it would survey damage from wind gusts in Oxnard that damaged mobile homes and determine whether it was caused by a weak tornado. Other areas including Pacific Palisades and Mulholland Drive near the Hollywood Hills saw roadways submerged in mud and cars stuck as first responders tried to clear the way.A 50 percent chance of rain continues on Friday for Los Angeles, but the National Weather Service says less than a tenth of an inch of rain is expected. And some good news — the term"partly sunny" appears in today's NWS forecast for L.A.The brunt of the storm passed through Southern California Thursday night after heavy rain snarled traffic, caused debris flows and sparked warnings about flooding, thunderstorms, wind and hail. But officials warned that people should remain cautious on Friday, especially around canyons and steeper terrain where the risk of mudslides and rockslides remains. All flood products have been cancelled for SW California as heavy rain has moved out of the area. However, please keep in mind that mud and rock slides can still happen well after the rain has ended. Also continue to obey all road closures. The Sierra Madre foothills experienced a significant mud flow of several feet, trapping a truck and likely damaging houses. LAist reporter Erin Stone said that officials were advising residents who had stayed to shelter in place, although evacuation orders had been issued Thursday. Resident Bruce Anderson said the biggest flow happened around 4 a.m."It was a tremendous source of water just rushing down the hill, running to the K rails, and then washing down here to Woodland Drive." "Clearly there's a lot of work to do for some people... but there's very little damage given what was happening," he said. Downtown Los Angeles has seen almost two and a half inches of rain since Thursday morning. Sepulveda Canyon at Mulholland Drive got more than three inches and caused mud to cover Mulholland. A possible tornado in Oxnard damaged mobile homes and carports, the National Weather Service said. Cars are also getting stuck in mud, trees are down from 40- to 50-mph wind gusts, and water has piled up on Sunset Boulevard. A member of the Los Angeles Fire Department was swept off the road and into the ocean along with his vehicle when a large debris flow moved through Big Rock Road in Malibu, according to Erik Scott, LAFD public information officer. "Fortunately, the member was able to exit his vehicle and reach safety with minor injuries," Scott said on social media."He was transported to a local hospital as a precaution." In Orange County, a mandatory evacuation order remains in place for areas in Trabuco Canyon, including the RC Airport, fire station, campground/park and school; as well as Bell Canyon, including Starr Ranch; and Hot Springs Canyon, including Lazy-W Ranch, due to possible debris flows from the Airport Fire burn area. Evacuation warnings remain in place for Long Canyon and Modjeska Canyon. As of Thursday afternoon, forecasters warned that the heavy rain and strong winds were quickly intensifying over L.A. County. On Mulholland Drive, eight inches of mud in the road near the intersection of Outpost Drive made driving impossible in the late afternoon, the. Fire crews were on the scene, and the road will remain closed throughout the storm. The homes above the debris flow are stable.The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District said Thursday that the closure of Malibu schools will be extended through Friday. Parents should monitor emails from the school district or check with their campus.Pacific Coast Highway is closed from Chautauqua Boulevard in Los Angeles to Carbon Beach Terrace in Malibu until further notice because ofTrabuco Canyon Road bridge was closed.Piuma Road: Cold Canyon Road to Rambla Pacifico RoadSaddle Peak Road: Stunt Road to Tuna Canyon Road are how the NWS begins to raise the alarm. The goal is to give people enough time to take action. is issued when a hazardous weather event is imminent or already happening. When one is issued for your area, you need to get to higher ground immediately.is issued when a flash flood is coming or in progress. Flash floods are sudden and violent floods that can start within minutes.Don't drive through standing water — as little as 12 inches of rushing water can carry away most cars, and two feet can carry away SUVs and trucks.Dial 911 if it's an emergency. However, if you need to report a flooded road or a downed tree, you can call the following non-emergency numbers:LAist reporters will provide regular updates on the storm as it moves through. If things get hairy, we'll send reporters into the field to give you real-time updates about conditions on the ground. This is a developing story. We fact check everything and rely only on information from credible sources . Sometimes, however, we make mistakes or initial reports turn out to be wrong. In all cases, we strive to bring you the most accurate information in real time and will update this story as new information becomes available.
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