County continues response and recovery efforts after heavy rains and mudslides

San Bernardino County departments continue to provide critical support to residents impacted by last week’s severe weather event due to remnants of Tropical Storm Mario, which brought heavy rains, flooding and mudslides to mountain and desert communities.

On Thursday, Sept. 18, a powerful storm cell triggered mud and debris flows from the San Bernardino National Forest El Dorado Fire burn scar areas to come down into the Oak Glen and Forest Falls communities. The debris flows moved across the Yucaipa Ridge area, destroying portions of the ridge and sending mud and debris rushing into Forest Falls and Oak Glen. The same storm cell also caused severe washouts along Highway 38, damaging sections that are expected to remain closed for months.

Additional rainfall in the desert region raised flooding concerns in Twentynine Palms, Landers, Barstow and Trona.

With the arrival of the storm, County Emergency Services activated the Emergency Operations Center to assist in a coordinated response. County Fire, CAL FIRE, the Sheriff’s Department and Emergency Services led unified command, supported by County Public Works and partner agencies, including Caltrans and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.

“Once again, our first responders and county departments came together quickly to protect lives, restore access, and support residents in difficult circumstances,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe. “To the families and businesses affected, we stand with you and will continue to advocate for the assistance you need. We thank the public for heeding safety warnings while crews work to restore normalcy to the affected communities.”

To mitigate future mud and debris flows in federal land in the San Bernardino National Forest from impacting these communities, the county will continue advocating for a strong partnership with the federal government and the United States Forest Service.

Two people stand near a mud-covered truck and fallen trees in front of a damaged house after a mudslide in a forested area.

A person stands in a cleared parking lot as bulldozers move dirt nearby, with mountains and cloudy skies in the background.

A muddy stream flows through a forested area filled with large rocks and debris after a rockslide, surrounded by tall pine trees under a cloudy sky.

Two damaged pickup trucks sit amid thick mud, fallen branches, and debris in front of a house after a mud and debris flow in a wooded area.

Rescue and safety operations

As the storm struck on Thursday, Sept. 18, motorists stranded along Highway 38 were rescued by Caltrans. County Fire’s Harrison Canyon hand crew assisted with digging out residences in Forest Falls impacted by mud and debris.

In Oak Glen, mud and debris blocked multiple roads and creek crossings. Residents sheltered safely in place with patrols providing support, while Public Works crews worked around the clock to clear debris and restore access for both residents and emergency services.

Cleanup and recovery

In Forest Falls, slides and roadway compromises were reported from Canyon Drive through Slide Creek and Holy Pines. Along Highway 38, significant washouts — including one near Hawthorne Creek estimated at 50 feet deep and a quarter mile wide — were documented, with additional washouts near South Fork and North Fork Park under evaluation by Caltrans.

Public Works’ road and flood crews are operating extended shifts, with loaders, dump trucks, graders and contract support clearing roads and flood channels. Valley of the Falls Drive has been reopened to emergency width and Potato Canyon has been cleared to a single lane, though closures remain in place until work is completed.

• Oak Glen: 19 pieces of heavy equipment have been active, removing more than 1,770 cubic yards from the Oak Glen Channel and 3,100 cubic yards from Birch Creek Channel. Road Operations removed 1,600 cubic yards of sediments and debris from the roadways.
• Forest Falls: Eight pieces of heavy equipment and two ground crew members are actively clearing debris and restoring access. Road Operations removed 2,000 cubic yards of sediments and debris from the roadways.
• Glass and Seven Oaks: Road Operations removed 5,000 cubic yards of sediments and debris from the roadways.

For updates on county road closures, visit dpw.sbcounty.gov/operations/road-closures.

Continuing vigilance

Looking ahead, more showers are possible Friday and Saturday, and there is a chance for new storms as early as Sunday from Tropical Storm Narda, which continues to develop off the coast of southern Mexico. County officials remind residents to remain prepared and alert for rapidly changing conditions.

Understanding the risks of mud and debris flows

These recent adverse weather events highlight the increased flood and mudslide risks caused by wildfire damage. To stay safe, residents are urged to remember:

Heed evacuation warnings and orders: Leave immediately if instructed. Debris flows and flash floods can happen suddenly, with little warning. Have a family communication plan in place.
“Turn Around, Don’t Drown”: Never attempt to drive or walk through floodwaters. Just six inches of moving water can sweep a person off their feet, and deeper flows can carry vehicles away.
Know what to do if flooding occurs: If indoors, stay inside. If outdoors, seek higher ground immediately and avoid flood channels and flowing water.

Sign up for emergency alerts

Sign up for the San Bernardino County Telephone Emergency Notification System (TENS) to receive emergency alerts on your phone.

Stay informed by monitoring the National Weather Service – San Diego office for the latest updates and warnings.

For the latest information on road closures, safety alerts, and recovery progress, visit Prepare.SBCounty.gov.

Resources

California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara and the California Department of Insurance provided resources for residents who have been impacted by the mudslides:

Lara’s alert on coverage for floods and mudslides caused by wildfire burn scars.
Fact sheet on coverage for flood, mudflow, mudslide, debris flow, and landslide events.
Bulletin 2025-3 outlining coverage guidance for recent wildfire-related flood and earth movement claims.

The Department of Insurance has also provided a public assistance hotline available in every language: (800) 927-4357.

Additional County Update News – September 25, 2025