[Update, 2:45 p.m.:] Malibu Canyon Road re-opened to traffic in both directions on Monday afternoon following a multi-day closure.
Malibu Canyon Road and Topanga Canyon Boulevard were closed Monday morning, Jan. 23, as Malibu drivers set out on the roads following a weekend of heavy rain, mudslides and power outages.
Malibu public schools were to remain open Monday, although classes were cancelled at Pepperdine University’s Malibu campus, according to information provided by the university.
Malibu Canyon Road was closed following multiple mudslides Friday. Los Angeles County Public Works engineers deemed the roadway “unstable” and the closure of the road could last through the week.
Topanga Canyon Boulevard was closed in both directions beginning Sunday due to large boulders in the roadway — that closure, according to California Highway Patrol, would be for an “unknown duration.”
Traffic signals were out at the intersections of Morning View and PCH and Kanan Dume Road and PCH, with deputies from the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station on hand to direct traffic as drivers braved the roads Monday, according to early morning reports from the station. Sheriff’s watch commander says no other issues on PCH in Malibu as of 6:50 a.m. Monday.
Malibu was under a flash flood watch throughout the day Monday, with a 90 percent chance of precipitation before 4 p.m., according to reports from the National Weather Service.
“A flash flood watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding,” the Weather Service warned. “Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. People in or below the recently burned areas are urged to take the steps necessary to protect their property. Remain alert and follow directions of emergency preparedness officials.”
The flash flood watch was scheduled to last through 6 p.m. Monday evening.