Los Angeles County, California — Several mountain and canyon roads in and around Malibu will close ahead of a multi-day storm expected to bring heavy rain, flooding concerns, and potential debris flows across the region during the holiday week.
Officials announced that closures will impact areas that are especially vulnerable to rockslides, mudflows, and roadway damage, with rain forecast to begin Tuesday and continue into the weekend.
Malibu Canyon and Tuna Canyon Closures Begin Tuesday Night
The City of Malibu confirmed that closures will take effect starting 8 p.m. Tuesday, impacting two major canyon routes frequently affected during storms.
Malibu Canyon Road will be placed under a soft closure, allowing access for emergency vehicles only, between Francisco Ranch Road and Adamson Flats Road, as well as just south of Piuma Road.
Tuna Canyon Road will be under a full closure, stretching from approximately 2870 Tuna Canyon Road (gate) down to Pacific Coast Highway.
“Both roads will remain closed until rain subsides and crews can safely clear debris and reopen the roadways,” the city of Malibu said in a statement.
Officials urged drivers to avoid the area entirely during the storm period due to rapidly changing conditions.
Additional Closure Planned in Topanga Canyon
In unincorporated Topanga, county officials announced a separate closure impacting a key stretch of Topanga Canyon Boulevard (State Route 27).
A 3.6-mile section between Pacific Coast Highway and Grand View Drive will close beginning at 9 p.m. Tuesday.
This portion of the roadway is also considered high risk during heavy rainfall due to steep terrain and past slide activity.
Read Also: Second Atmospheric River Set to Drench California With Flooding Rain Through Christmas
Flood Watch Issued for Los Angeles County
The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday evening for much of Los Angeles County.
Forecasters warn that mud and debris flows are possible in foothill and mountain areas, particularly near recent burn scars, where soil stability is reduced.
Rainfall is expected to start light, with less than half an inch forecast for Tuesday. However, conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly.
Heaviest Rain Expected Wednesday
Meteorologists say rainfall rates will intensify late Tuesday night into Wednesday, which is expected to be the wettest day of the week.
During the peak of the storm, hourly rain rates could exceed one inch per hour, increasing the risk of flash flooding, roadway washouts, and falling debris.
City officials advised motorists to remain alert for:
- Mud, rocks, and standing water on roadways
- Malfunctioning traffic signals
- Work crews and emergency vehicles
“Drive cautiously, keep headlights on, and come to a complete stop at any malfunctioning traffic signal under California law,” the city said.
Travel Disruptions Likely Through the Holiday Week
With rain expected to continue into the weekend, officials warned that closures may remain in place longer than anticipated, depending on storm impacts and cleanup conditions.
Residents and travelers are encouraged to plan alternate routes, avoid canyon roads during heavy rain, and monitor official updates as conditions evolve.
Authorities emphasized that safety crews will reopen roads only after debris is cleared and conditions are deemed safe.
Do you live or travel in these areas during storms? Share your experience or thoughts in the comments below.
