OAK GLEN, Calif. (AP) — Intense rainfall stemming from the remnants of Tropical Storm Mario pummeled Southern California, leading to mudslides and debris flows that downed trees, damaged homes, and stranded drivers for hours. Fortunately, authorities confirmed no injuries were reported, and all individuals caught in the chaos were rescued.
The areas affected included the tiny mountain communities of Forest Falls, Oak Glen, and Potato Canyon, located in San Bernardino County east of Los Angeles. Public information officer Christopher Prater stated that no one was missing after rescuers successfully extricated ten individuals from at least six vehicles trapped on state Route 38 near Jenks Lake.
Eyewitness Kael Steel recounted witnessing rocks and debris tumbling down the mountainside while driving back from Big Bear, adding that roads rapidly became impassable. Rainfall rates reached nearly two inches over a two-hour span, far exceeding typical summer thunderstorms in the region.
California Highway Patrol reported that Route 38 remains closed as damage assessment teams evaluate the hillside areas impacted. While the extent of property damage is still being determined, the community has faced significant challenges, particularly given its history with mudslides and wildfires.
“The community obviously has been impacted fairly significantly,” Prater said. “How bad, we don’t know yet.”
