According to Capt. Ron Haralson, Los Angeles County Fire Department.
Around 4 AM, rescuers were called. He said that several campers were trapped and that vehicles were flooded. The rescue crews were able evacuate the campers safely and there were no reported injuries or deaths.
The California Highway Patrol stated that officials had to close a section of Grapevine, which runs in both directions, due to accumulation of ice and snow.
Drivers were warned by the CHP and California Department of Transportation about significant delays. Northbound 5 was shut down at Parker Road, Castaic. The “snowgate” has been opened for drivers to turn around.
Grapevine Road was the location where the southbound 5 was shut down. Officials did not give an estimated time for the reopening.
It is a major highway that connects Los Angeles County to the rest of the country. State Route 58 through Tehachapi can be used as an alternative route.
A section of the Pacific Coast Highway in Pacific Palisades was also shut down Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service, the soggy conditions will persist throughout the day. There are multiple weather advisories in effect across the Southland.
“L.A. “L.A. It fluctuates between light to heavy, heavy to light, and it will continue like this for the majority of the day.”
Winter storm warnings were in effect for the mountains of Ventura, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino counties. Officials are warning about difficult travel conditions and reduced visibility.
Flash flood watches have been in place for the Ranch 2, Lake, Bobcat, Dam, and Dam burn scars areas until Thursday at 4 p.m. Residents are asked to be prepared for flooding and debris flows.
Wofford stated that “there’s still some heavy rainfall to go, so they must be vigilant.”
Los Angeles Fire Department stated that residents can get ready-to-fill sand bags from all nearby fire stations. There are also free sand offers at several locations.
Through 4 p.m., officials in Orange County issued voluntary evacuation orders to Silverado Canyon and Williams Canyon near the Bond fire-burn area. Although the order was initially mandatory, it was later reduced to voluntary on Thursday morning. Officials advised residents to prepare for evacuation, particularly those with disabilities, large animals, or access needs, and to evacuate as soon as possible.
Over a 30-mile area that covers most of Los Angeles’ coast and San Gabriel Valley, the heaviest rainfall is likely to fall. This area could see up to 4 inches. Rest of L.A. County should see between 1 and 2 inches.
Officials said that precipitation will be less to the east and south of L.A. County. Over San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara counties, little to no precipitation is expected.
