Heavy Rain Triggers Debris Flows in Pacific Palisades, Malibu

Overnight Mudslides Cause Highway Closures

Hours of heavy rain triggered mud and debris flows along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu and on Palisades Drive in Pacific Palisades overnight.

Mudslide Blocks PCH in Malibu

Video around 3 a.m. showed a mudslide blocking the northbound side of PCH at Big Rock Road in Malibu.

Crews were seen using a bulldozer to help clear the debris, which left the highway temporarily closed through the area.

Debris Flow Over K-Rails in Pacific Palisades

Meanwhile, water and mud flowed over K-rails installed along Palisades Drive about one mile north of Sunset Boulevard in Pacific Palisades.

A closure is also in place on PCH between Chautauqua Boulevard in Los Angeles to Carbon Beach Terrace in Malibu. The area had just reopened earlier in the week but was closed again in anticipation of possible debris flow.

California Weather Radar Map

Officials said the stretch of PCH may open later today but showers are expected to continue through the morning hours.

Background on Debris Flow

Yesterday, new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin toured the Palisades Fire burn zone to assess the progress of debris removal and recovery efforts.

Conclusion

The heavy rain and resulting debris flows are a reminder of the importance of being prepared for natural disasters and the need for continued recovery efforts in the affected areas.

FAQs

Q: What caused the debris flows?

A: Heavy rain triggered the debris flows.

Q: Which areas were affected?

A: The Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu and Palisades Drive in Pacific Palisades were affected.

Q: Are there any road closures?

A: Yes, a closure is in place on PCH between Chautauqua Boulevard in Los Angeles to Carbon Beach Terrace in Malibu.

Q: When will the road reopen?

A: Officials said the stretch of PCH may open later today, but showers are expected to continue through the morning hours.