Updated: Malibu West Evacuations Lifted, Some Road Closures Remain in Effect

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NWS Rain Storm

[5:57 p.m.] The evacuation for the Paseo Canyon area of Malibu West was lifted Saturday evening, following heavy rain in the morning that forced the evacuation.

Officials continued to urge caution.

“Residents may return home but remain vigilant and cautious of running water and potential for further mud and debris flows,” an alert from the city read.

The potential for falling rocks and mud and debris flow still exists and residents should maintain good situational awareness when reentering the area,” the city’s notice stated. “Residents returning to evacuated areas can expect to see continuous running water at Arizona crossings and light mud and rock coverage on portions of roadway. Many canyon and local roads will be slippery, and all motorists are urged to drive cautiously and slowly. Do not attempt to cross flooded areas and never enter moving water.”

Many road closures remained in effect, according to the LA County Sheriff’s Department:

-Kanan Rd from Cavalleri Rd to Mulholland Hwy

-Mulholland Hwy to Decker Cyn

-WB PCH from Broad Beach Rd to the LA/V County line

-Malibu Cyn from Piuma to Malibu Crest

Caltrans urged motorists to avoid using Pacific Coast Highway when possible.


[12:55 p.m.] Malibu Canyon Road was closed from Malibu Crest Drive to Piuma Road in Malibu due to mudslides and debris. Malibu Road was closed from 24680-24712 due to flooding.

The City of Malibu provided the following complete list of closures, as of 12:54 p.m.:

  • Malibu Canyon from Malibu Crest Drive to Piuma Road
  • PCH from Broad Beach Road to Ventura County Line
  • Kanan Dume Road between PCH and Mulholland Highway
  • Decker Road (SR-23) northbound
  • Rainsford Place
  • Malibu Road between 24680-24712

A previous evacuation of the Malibu West neighborhood was modified; the evacuation was for the Paseo Canyon area of Malibu West, and remained in effect as of 12:55 p.m.


[11:57 a.m.] Malibu West was under a mandatory evacuation as of 11:58 a.m. Saturday, according to an alert from the City of Malibu.

“The Los Angeles County Sheriff Department has issued mandatory evacuations for the Malibu West neighborhood,” the city wrote. “Leave immediately. The American Red Cross is setting up shelters at Pepperdine University and Santa Monica High School.”


[11:19 a.m.:] Pacific Coast Highway was closed Saturday morning due to mudslides. The closure, which was in effect by 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, was the latest in a series of PCH closures between Las Posas Road in Oxnard and Broad Beach Road in Malibu due to heavy rain.

Kanan Dume Road also experienced flooding and debris flow and was closed from PCH to the Ventura (101) Freeway on Saturday.

Malibu remained under a flash flood warning on Saturday until 1 p.m. 

The City of Malibu provided the following National Weather Service information regarding flash floods in burn areas:

A Flash Flood Warning for a recent burn area means that flooding and debris flows are imminent or occurring. Residents living in or
immediately downstream should take immediate precautions to protect life and property. Quickly move away from the burn area only if it is safe to do so, otherwise shelter in place and move to a second story or the highest location in your home to stay out of the path of fast-moving water and debris flows.