Southern California storm causes flash flooding, mudslides
LAKE HUGHES, Calif.-- Several hundred vehicles were stranded on a stretch of one of California's main freeways after flash flooding north of Los Angeles sent water and mud flowing into canyons and across roadways.
Lt. Sven Miller with the California Highway Patrol said there were no immediate reports of any injuries.
Television footage showed several vehicles stuck in mud in the mountainous community of Lake Hughes, located about 65 miles north of downtown Los Angeles.
A spokesman with the Los Angeles County Fire Department said crews were dispatched to the scene about 3 p.m. Helicopters were searching the area, but there were no immediate reports of rescues.
CBS Los Angeles reported that several areas have flash flooding with people being reported trapped in cars and other vehicles in and near Lake Hughes and in Lake Elizabeth, near Lancaster.
There were also reports of hail in Kern County.
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Drivers on Interstate 5 between Grapevine and Castaic about 40 miles north of downtown Los Angeles were being assisted off the roadway.
Miller says it could take up to 24 hours to clear the freeway in both directions.
Flash-flood warnings remain in effect for parts of Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.