Massive Mudslides and Debris Flows in California

Another El Nino storm just moved through Southern California culminating in significant rainfall on Saturday producing mudslides and debris flows in the area hit by this past September’s Station Fire. (Photo from Sacramento Bee, David McNew – Getty Images)

According to the LA Times (‘Niagara’ of Mud), the bulk of the damage appeared to be in La Cañada Flintridge’s northernmost neighborhood (see their photo gallery and map of hardest hit areas and those under evacuation). According th the LA Times, 43 homes and about 25 vehicles suffered damage from the mud, boulders, water and debris. According to Reuters, there were no reports of deaths or injuries.  Regarding the amount of rainfall (from the LA Times article):

The National Weather Service had forecast that up to 1 1/2 inches would fall on the coast and in the valleys and as much as 3 1/2 inches would fall in the mountains and foothills by Saturday.

But actual rainfall was more intense, with about 4 3/4 inches falling in the mountains. Downtown L.A. saw 2.85 inches of rain since Thursday night; Santa Monica, 3.24; and the Hollywood Reservoir, 4.09.

Debris Flow Video

Check out this amazing video of water and debris roaring down the road, right past the concrete barriers setup to attempt to block the debris.