Storm Triggers Flooding, Mud Flows and Freeway Closures Throughout Thomas Fire Burn Area

Heavy rain triggered freeway closures throughout the region Tuesday and unleashed mud flows in areas ravaged by wildfires last month, leaving rescue personnel to scramble through clogged roadways and downed trees as they respond to emergency calls , officials said. As of 5 a.m., at least 5 inches of rainfall had been collected in a gauge north of Ojai in Ventura County, in the burn area of the Thomas fire, which forced evacuations and destroyed homes last month, according to the National Weather Service in Los Angeles.