Debris flows block sections of SR-27 and reduce PCH to one lane in Palisades Fire recovery zone.
Heavy rain triggered mudslides and debris flows on Monday along Topanga Canyon Boulevard and Pacific Coast Highway, forcing extended closures in areas still undergoing recovery from the Palisades Fire.
Caltrans officials said multiple debris flows were reported along the 3.6-mile stretch of State Route 27 between Pacific Coast Highway and Grand View Drive. At least eight locations were identified where mud and debris blocked the roadway, keeping the canyon route closed as of Monday afternoon.
With hillsides saturated and additional rain in the forecast, transportation officials expect the closure to remain in place at least through Tuesday. Cleanup crews are continuing removal efforts and will reassess conditions before determining when it is safe to reopen the highway. Drivers are advised to seek alternate routes during peak commute hours.
A flood watch was in effect Monday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and the National Weather Service has forecast another storm system to move through the region Tuesday evening into Wednesday morning, bringing the possibility of minor to moderate coastal flooding.
The affected segment of SR-27 is part of an active work zone tied to ongoing recovery efforts from the Palisades Fire and winter storms. The roadway is typically closed to the public overnight from midnight to 5 a.m.
Storm impacts were also reported along State Route 1, or Pacific Coast Highway. Debris from a damaged wall north of Porto Marina Way reduced the northbound lanes to one at that location. Farther south, near the SR-27 junction, mud and debris flows also narrowed northbound PCH to a single lane.
Officials are urging motorists to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain. Drivers who must travel are advised to monitor weather alerts, use headlights and windshield wipers, and never attempt to drive through standing or moving water. Real-time traffic updates are available through the Caltrans QuickMap system.
