Heavy Snow and Mudflows Trigger Multiple Road Closures Across Southern California
Multiple road closures were implemented across Southern California on Sunday due to heavy snow, rain, and mudflows, affecting major highways and local roads as authorities responded to various weather-related incidents.
Road Closures in Topanga Canyon and Burn Scar Areas
Mudflows in Topanga Canyon led to the closure of Pacific Coast Highway west of Topanga Canyon Boulevard by 4:30 p.m. Topanga Canyon Boulevard was closed in both directions between PCH and Grand View Drive, with limited access granted to residents south of Mulholland Drive to Grand View Drive upon showing identification.
Several closures were implemented near the Palisades Fire burn scars, including southbound PCH at Sweetwater Canyon Drive, northbound PCH at McClure Tunnel, westbound I-10 at Lincoln Boulevard, and the westbound I-10 4th and 5th street on-ramps.
The California Highway Patrol Fort Tejon Station announced the complete closure of both north and southbound lanes on the I-5 Grapevine summit for an indefinite period by 10:30 p.m., while in Newhall, the northbound I-5 was closed at Parker Road due to snow conditions.
Emergency Response to Weather-Related Incidents
In Woodland Hills, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to debris flow at 4100 N. Alhama Drive, where four vehicles were stranded. No rescues were required, and no injuries were reported.
The L.A. Department of Transportation was called for vehicle removal and traffic control in the affected area.
Pacific Coast Highway faced an additional closure in both directions at Sycamore Canyon, from Neptune’s Net to Los Posas Road, due to a fatal crash, according to CHP Ventura.
Snow Impact and Chain Requirements
The storm brought significant snowfall to higher elevations, particularly affecting the San Bernardino Mountains, where chain restrictions were enforced for all vehicles except four-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles with snow tires.
Officials established chain control checkpoints at Heaps Peak and Highway 18, stopping vehicles that were not properly equipped with tire chains.
The weather conditions resulted in numerous spin-outs and collisions, including an incident in Daly Canyon where a Tesla Cybertruck required towing while blocking a snow-removal vehicle.
Tourist Response and Safety Measures
The fresh snow reportedly brought thousands of visitors and tourists to the higher elevation communities, where strict chain requirements were implemented.
Signs posted throughout the area emphasized chain requirements, particularly during the winter months, as many motorists were observed attempting to install chains on their vehicles under challenging conditions.
Many drivers were seen on the side of the snow-covered roads attempting to put chains on their vehicles in less-than-ideal conditions.
