Dangerous thunderstorms trigger massive mud flow in northern LA County
CASTAIC, Calif. -- Severe flooding and thunderstorms in north Los Angeles County left cars stuck in a major mud flow in the Green Valley, Lake Hughes, Leona Valley and Lake Elizabeth areas.
Crews worked to free vehicles that were trapped in mud in and around Castaic throughout the afternoon Thursday. Over 20 people remained inside a school after hours due to the loads of mud, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
In Green Valley, cars were stuck in a deep mud flow along San Francisquito Canyon and Lake Hughes roads.
Water was rushing down near cars traveling just north of Castaic, causing a portion of the canyon to shut down and Lake Hughes to get washed out.
Due to the downpour in the areas, all northbound lanes at Lake Hughes road of the 5 Freeway were blocked by flooding near Fort Tejon, north of Gorman, according to the California Highway Patrol. Traffic was diverted through Santa Clarita.
Southbound lanes were expected to be closed for at least three hours.
As of 10 p.m., San Francisquito Canyon Road, Johnson Road and Lake Elizabeth Road between San Francisquito and Ranch Club Road were reopened, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Palmdale Station.
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Areas throughout Palmdale and Quartz Hill also underwent severe flooding and experienced large chunks of hail pouring onto homes. Multiple people had to be airlifted and evacuated from the dangerous conditions, according to L.A. fire authorities.
Cars were submerged in mud on Lake Elizabeth Road, where authorities rescued several people. Several homes in the Lake Elizabeth area were also flooded by mud. A trailer was seen damaged and turned over on its side from the water flow.
No injuries were reported as of Thursday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service, a flash flood watch was in effect Thursday night for Friday afternoon and early evening across the mountains of southwest California and the Antelope Valley.
The 5 Freeway heading northbound at Fort Tejon closed after mud covered the roadway.
Officials said the highway was expected to be closed at Grapevine near Fort Tejon for up to 24 hours.
The northbound and southbound 5 Freeway was expected to be closed throughout the night as crews continued working on the mess.
Several drivers were trapped as mud, rocks and debris blocked traffic. Witnesses said they were stranded for over an hour.
