Flash flood debris blocked a section of Interstate 5 north of Los Angeles on Friday, causing hundreds of motorists to take refuge atop their cars, stranding on them while emergency crews rushed to rescue them. As the excavator trucks tried to scoop out the mud, thousands of drivers were left searching for alternative routes.
At least 15 cars were wedged between the debris and had to be towed out. There were no reports of deaths or injuries from the flooding Thursday at Fort Tejon, which is about 75 miles north of downtown Los Angeles. The flooding was caused by a weather system that produced powerful afternoon thunderstorms in the mountains and deserts, according to Fox News.
"It's possible that someone could have lived in SoCal all of their lives and never have seen this size hail," said Joe Sirard, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.
Between four and six inches of rain fell in parts of Kern and Los Angeles counties, prompting floods that led to nearly a half dozen water rescues. "The area is hilly along with canyons ... so the mud was created by the runoff ... and the debris flowing downhill," Sirard said.
It is still unclear as to how many people are stuck on the highways, according to CNN.
Lt. Sven Miller of the California Highway Patrol said it could take up to 24 hours to clear the freeway in both directions. As a result, flash-flood warnings have been taken into effect for all parts of Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, according to CBS News.
There were also reports of hail in Kern County. Drivers who were caught between Grapevine and Castaic on Interstate 5 about 40 miles north of downtown Los Angeles were being assisted off the roadway by rescuers.
