Updated: Pacific Coast Highway Has Reopened

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[1/8, 9 a.m.] Pacific Coast Highway reopened on Monday evening, with Decker Canyon Road remaining closed due to mudslide cleanup.


[1/6, 10:15 a.m.] Pacific Coast Highway was expected to be closed until at least Monday, Jan. 7, while Caltrans crews worked to clear mud and debris.

The National Weather Service predicted a second storm would move into the Malibu area on Sunday evening, Jan. 6, and into the morning of Jan. 7.

Los Angeles Department of Public Health issued a Beach Water Use Advisory, in effect through Wednesday, Jan. 9 at 3 a.m., “cautioning residents who are planning to visit Los Angeles County beaches to avoid swimming, surfing and playing in ocean waters around discharging storm drains, creeks and rivers. Bacteria, chemicals, debris, trash, and other public health hazards from city streets and mountain areas are likely to contaminate ocean waters at and around these outlets after a rainfall. Individuals who enter the water in these areas could become ill.

Discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers only comprise a small portion of the beach; therefore, anybody who wants to go to other areas at the beach can still enjoy their beach outing.”


[1/5, 7:55 p.m.] Pacific Coast Highway was reported closed in both directions from Encinal Canyon Road to west of the Ventura County line due to mudslides.


[1/5, 7:37 p.m.:] Pacific Coast Highway was reported closed in both directions on Saturday evening due to a mudslide. The slide occurred in the area of Mulholland Highway and Pacific Coast Highway, near Leo Carrillo State Beach.

A second full closure of the highway was also reported in Ventura County, about a half mile north of Neptune’s Net, due to flooding.


[1/5, 5:30 p.m.:] With rain forecast overnight in Malibu, the National Weather Service has placed Woolsey Fire burn areas under a flash flood watch until midnight on Sunday morning, Jan. 6. 

“There is a significant possibility of flash flooding and mud and debris flows in and around recent burn areas in the watch area,” according to the National Weather Service. “In addition, roadway flooding is likely, especially in low lying areas, along with rock and mudslides on canyon roads and below steep terrain.”

The NWS predicted there could be short periods of very heavy rainfall.

“Rainfall rates up to 0.50 inches to 0.75 inches per hour,” the service said. “There will be a slight chance of thunderstorms, with the potential for short duration periods of very heavy rainfall, such as 0.50 inches in 30 minutes, or even heavier bursts of rain in 15 minute durations.”

The storm was producing heavy rainfall as it moved toward Malibu and the Woolsey Fire burn area. 

More information for local residents is available here.