MALIBU—Caltrans has updated closures for Pacific Coast Highway that are scheduled to last until Tuesday or longer due to heavy rains in the region.
PCH (SR-1) is fully closed from Encinal Canyon Road in Malibu to Los Posas Road in Ventura County. Decker Canyon Road (SR-23) is closed in both directions from Pacific Coast Highway to Mullholland Highway. Crews are currently on site of the closed roads and are working to clear the mud from the roadway.
Until current storms in Southern California pass, roads have been closed for the safety of residents and visitors. Continuous updates about potential mudslides and the road closures can be found on the Caltrans Twitter account.
Mudslides began on Sunday, January 6, as a result of the storm that hit Los Angeles County. Another group of showers hit the area during the morning hours on Monday, January 7.
In a tweet by the National Weather Service at 7:24 a.m. they stated, “Light to moderate rain is expected to continue for a few more hours! This could affect driving conditions and roadways flooding is possible! If flooded roadways encountered, TURN AROUND DON’T DROWN.”
The city of Malibu reported on its website that the National Weather Service forecasts a storm bringing moderate rain to Ventura and Los Angeles Counties expected from Tuesday, January 8 through Thursday, January 10. High surf and dangerous rip currents are possible. Malibu residents are encouraged to prepare for potential flooding, mudslides, power outages, dangerous road conditions and possible evacuations.
The city is monitoring storm conditions and crews are patrolling and clearing roads of rocks and debris, clearing storm drains and culverts to prevent flooding, placing temporarily concrete k-rails to prevent flooding and debris flows, and has pre-placed heavy equipment in regions susceptible to flooding and debris flows. Sheriffs Volunteers On Patrol (VOP) assist with patrolling City streets and reporting issues.
Due to potential storm-related power outages, it is possible that residents may not receive emergency alerts. Please monitor storm conditions on local news radio, and if possible, the National Weather Service at https://www.weather.gov/lox.
Residents can pick up free, empty sandbags at Malibu area fire stations.
-Station #70 – 3970 Carbon Canyon Rd, Malibu, CA 90265
-Station #71 – 28722 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
-Station #88 – 23720 Malibu Rd, Malibu, CA 90265
-Station #99 – 32550 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
-Zuma Beach Lifeguard Headquarters – pre-filled sandbags are available
The city of Malibu is alerting residents that based on mud, debris, and other hazards, roads throughout the burn areas are subject to intermittent closures. Motorists are asked to use extreme caution when driving through these areas. Watch for slippery road conditions and follow posted warnings and speed signs.
There may be storm relate power outages. For current power outages, visit SCE outage center page at https://www.sce.com/outage-center.
Interactive Map of Potential Debris Flow Hazard Areas
https://landslides.usgs.gov/hazards/postfire_debrisflow/detail.php?objectid=251
Road Closures
For continued information on road closures and evacuations visit:https://tinyurl.com/ycbwpdjb. (Enter an address to search for a specific location).
Written By Emily Loudermilk and Donald Roberts
