Heavy rains started off flooding and mudslides in foothill communities north of Los Angeles on 15 October, swamping cars, stranding drivers and prompting authorities to close several major roads.

Flash floods were triggered by several inches of rainfall an hour, forcing the California Highway Patrol to close parts of the busy Interstate 5 freeway in both directions through the Grapevine pass.

The National Weather Service issued flash flood warnings for parts of north-western Los Angeles County and north-eastern Ventura County, advising motorists to avoid those areas.

The Los Angeles Times reported that some 45 firefighters responded to the scene of the mudslides and flooding, working to free drivers who were stranded in their cars.

The rushing water, which was triggered by several inches of rain an hour over the foothill communities, forced the California Highway Patrol to close parts of the busy Interstate 5 freeway in both directions through the Grapevine Pass.

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