Winter storm closes Grapevine, prompts evacuations

A slow-moving winter storm hovering over Los Angeles made a mess of conditions Thursday — prompting the closure of multiple major roads and highways, spurring evacuations near wildfire burn scars and necessitating water rescues, officials said.

At least 10 people had to be rescued from the Leo Carrillo Campground in Malibu after significant rainfall sent a torrent of muddy water through the area, according to Capt. Ron Haralson with the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Rescuers were called around 4 a.m. Several campers were trapped and vehicles were flooded, he said. Rescue crews were able to evacuate the campers to safety, and no injuries or deaths were reported.

Meanwhile, accumulating ice and snow forced officials to close a portion of the Grapevine in both directions of the 5 Freeway, the California Highway Patrol said.

The CHP and California Department of Transportation were alerting drivers to significant delays in the area. The northbound 5 was closed at Parker Road in Castaic, where the “snow gate” has been opened to allow drivers to turn around.

The southbound 5 was closed at Grapevine Road. There is no estimated time of reopening, officials said.

The highway serves as a major artery for travel in and out of Los Angeles County. State Route 58 through Tehachapi is open as an alternate route.

A CalTrans traffic camera shows a closed 5 Freeway in Lebec.

(CalTrans)

A portion of Pacific Coast Highway in Pacific Palisades was also closed Thursday.

The National Weather Service said the soggy conditions are expected to linger throughout the day, with multiple weather advisories in place across the Southland.

“L.A. county is going to be getting pretty persistent rain through the day,” said Mike Wofford, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard. “It fluctuates from going to light to heavy, light to heavy, and it’s going to be like that for most of the day.”

A winter storm warning was in effect in the mountains of Ventura and Los Angeles counties as well as San Bernardino County, including Big Bear and Wrightwood, where officials are warning of difficult travel conditions with significant reductions in visibility.

Flash flood watches are in effect for the Lake, Bobcat, Dam and Ranch 2 burn scar areas through 4 p.m. Thursday, with residents asked to prepare for potential flooding and debris flows.

“There’s still some heavy rain to go, so they need to be vigilant,” Wofford said.

The Los Angeles Fire Department said residents can pick up ready-to-fill sand bags at all neighborhood fire stations, with free sand offered at several locations.

Officials in Orange County also issued voluntary evacuation orders for Silverado Canyon, Williams Canyon and Modjeska Canyon near the Bond fire burn area through 4 p.m. The order was originally mandatory but was downgraded to voluntary Thursday morning; however, officials advised residents to continue to make preparations and evacuate, especially those with disabilities, access needs or large animals.

The heaviest rain is expected to fall over a 30-mile swath covering most of…