San Bernardino County continues to support residents recovering from severe winter storms that started on Dec. 23 and delivered between four and more than 17 inches of rain, causing flooding, mudslides and debris flows, impacting mountain and high desert communities including Wrightwood, Lytle Creek, Phelan, Piñon Hills and Hesperia, as well as multiple roadways, including areas near Mt. Baldy.
County Fire also reported an increase in swift water rescue calls, particularly in Hesperia, Phelan and Piñon Hills, including rescues of people trapped in vehicles.
In response to the storms, county CEO Luther Snoke proclaimed a local emergency on Dec. 25, which was ratified by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on Dec. 29, enabling swift mobilization of resources and coordination with state and local partners.
“Our proactive forecasting, community alerts and rapid response have been key to minimizing harm during this challenging weather event,” said Board Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe. “We’re grateful for the resilience of our residents and the dedication of our teams and partners, who have worked tirelessly to provide aid and begin recovery. Our focus remains on safety and ongoing support for those affected.”
“Recovery is a long process, and we’re committed to helping residents in Wrightwood, Lytle Creek, Phelan, Piñon Hills, Hesperia and surrounding communities get answers and access to support,” said First District Supervisor Col. Paul Cook (Ret). “If you were impacted, please take advantage of the Local Assistance Center. As cleanup continues, give Public Works and first responders room to operate, follow posted closures and help keep your neighbors safe.”
Recovery support: Local Assistance Center opens Jan. 8–10
A Local Assistance Center (LAC) is now open through Saturday, Jan. 10 at the Rick Novack Community Center located at 13558 Palm Street in Hesperia to provide support services to affected residents and businesses who need information on disaster-related losses or damage resources. Representatives from the county, state and non-government organizations will be available to answer questions and connect people with services.
Hours of operation:
- Today and Friday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
San Bernardino County departments are providing information on available resources, including Public Works, Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk, Transitional Assistance, Aging and Adult Services-Public Guardian, Public Health, Behavioral Health, Economic Development and Workforce Development.
Participating state agencies include the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, Department of Motor Vehicles, Franchise Tax Board, Department of Insurance, Contractors State License Board, Employment Development Department, Department of Public Health, Department of Housing and Community Development, Department of Tax and Fee Administration and Veterans Affairs.
LAC transportation
Victor Valley transit will provide shuttle transportation to and from Care and Reception Centers and the LAC for residents. Return transportation shuttle service is scheduled every 1–2 hours, allowing time to access available resources.
Care and Reception Center pick-up locations
- Wrightwood
- 1275 CA-2, Wrightwood
- Lytle Creek
- 497 Lytle Creek Road, Lytle Creek
- Phelan
- 4176 Warbler Road, Phelan
Care and Reception Center pick-up times
- Thursday and Friday
- 9 a.m.
- noon
- 4 p.m.
- Saturday
- 9 a.m.
- 11 a.m.
- 1 p.m.
Emergency operations and response overview
The county’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activated at a heightened level during peak storm impacts. The San Bernardino County Office of Emergency Services (OES) closely monitored forecasts from the National Weather Service, disseminated preparedness messaging ahead of the storm, and coordinated readiness planning across departments and partner agencies. As conditions evolved, the EOC continued operations to support situational awareness and transitioned into recovery and damage assessment efforts.
San Bernardino County Fire transitioned to recovery operations by Dec. 26 and has continued conducting property damage assessments.
San Bernardino County Public Works crews began emergency response efforts on Dec. 24 and remain on the ground in affected communities. Crews are actively clearing mud and debris flows, repairing damaged roadways and shoulder washouts, and continuing work to clear channels and basins to help reduce future flooding and restore safe access.
Ongoing damage assessments
Emergency crews were in Wrightwood, Lytle Creek, Hesperia, Phelan and Piñon Hills on Wednesday, accompanying the U.S. Small Business Administration and state and county partners to conduct preliminary damage assessments. The assessments help officials evaluate storm impacts and identify potential recovery resources.
Utilities and public health updates
- Boil water notices: At this time, all boil notices have been lifted in affected communities.
- Power outages: At this time, no widespread power outages have been reported.
Care and Reception Centers and shelter updates
To support storm-impacted communities, Emergency Services opened two shelters, including one for residents and a second shelter, which accommodated large animals needing temporary housing. Neighbors in impacted communities initiated three Care and Reception Centers in Wrightwood, Lytle Creek and Phelan, demonstrating the resiliency of San Bernardino County residents. Emergency Services staff partnered with local residents to coordinate the centers’ operations. The county and its partners distributed essential items, including water, Meals Ready-to-Eat (MREs), lanterns, solar chargers, food buckets, trash bags, sandbags and personal protective equipment.
San Bernardino County agencies, including Aging and Adult Services–Public Guardian, Transitional Assistance, Behavioral Health, Animal Care, Public Health and Environmental Health Services, alongside partners including the American Red Cross, Southern California Edison, California Conservation Corps and Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), also provided assistance to residents at the care centers.
Road closures and travel impacts
State Route 2 in Wrightwood is now open from State Route 138 to Big Pines Highway. For the latest road closures and storm impacts, visit dpw.sbcounty.gov/operations/road-closures/ for county road closures or quickmap.dot.ca.gov for state highway road closures.
Cleanup and debris disposal support
To support our mountain communities with residential cleanup, Public Works has provided temporary trash bins and dirt dumping sites for residents impacted by recent conditions.
Trash bin locations
- Wrightwood: 1299 Angeles Crest Highway, across the street from the Wrightwood Community Center and Flagstaff Bank.
- Lytle Creek: Located at Melody’s Place (551 Lytle Creek Road) and the Care and Reception Center (497 Lytle Creek Road)
- *Please note: Rocks, soil, dirt, vegetation and hazardous materials (including batteries and electronics) are not allowed in dumpsters.
Dirt dumping site
- Lytle Creek – S Fork Road
- Wrightwood – Mt. High Resort parking lot
- *Please note: Only clean fill dirt is accepted. Do not bring organics, household waste or building/construction debris.
Public Works crews also worked tirelessly to reopen access to Happy Jack Bridge in Lytle Creek. Access is open to residents only due to ongoing construction activities and limited access in the area. Crews continue working in the creek, roadway and nearby sewer system.
In Phelan and Piñon Hills, Public Works crews are working to reestablish natural drainage channels after significant mud and debris washed into the area. County crews are also rebuilding washed-out drainage walls and backfilling damaged areas to support safe restoration of infrastructure, including conditions needed for Southern California Edison repairs.
Weather outlook and preparedness reminders
As light to moderate showers may continue through January, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and prepared.
Additional resources:
For insurance-related assistance after flood and mudslide impacts, the California Department of Insurance consumer hotline is available in multiple languages at (800) 927-4357.
Visit Prepare.sbcounty.gov.
Sign up for San Bernardino County’s Telephone Emergency Notification System (TENS) to receive emergency alerts such as evacuations warnings and orders for your area.
Download the Ready SB County App to receive emergency alerts and safety information.
Additional County Update News – January 8
- CalFresh reporting waiver available in response to storms
- Public Health urges vaccination as whooping cough increases
- County celebrates grand opening of new affordable housing community
- Volunteers needed for the upcoming homeless count
- California Secretary of State Apostille Pop-Up Shop returns to San Bernardino County
- A Place Called Home: San Bernardino County Children and Family Services Celebrates Families at the 25th Adoption Finalization Event
- New website expands access to Aging and Adult Services-Public Guardian resources
- Free adoptions help pets find loving homes
- San Bernardino County destinations: Oak Glen Schoolhouse Museum & Park
- Call for submissions: Share your favorite San Bernardino County destinations
- San Bernardino County history: George Air Force Base
- Things to do in San Bernardino County
- Pet of the Week: Cassy