The San Bernardino County in California saw great flash floods after the thunderstorm that came over the weekend. The extreme weather left one person killed and hundreds stranded in the mountains.
A person was unfortunately found inside a car that was swept into the Mount Baldy creek. The floods and mudslides caused many to be stranded and unable to get out of Forest Falls and Oak Glen--about 1,000 and 1,500 residents, respectively. Debris, rock, and mud have blocked the roads.
Included in those people stranded were 500 children and adults who arrived at Forest Falls only last Sunday morning for a summer camp.
Some people were also treated for hypothermia after being rescued according to reports. At the Angeles National Forest, five persons and a dog were airlifted. In another area, campers only had seconds to evacuate before their tents were washed away by a flash flood.
The authorities are urging the residents to stay inside wherever they are while bulldozers clear the road. The rains caused flooding and vehicles being stranded. Some areas even have no power and propane tanks exploding have also been reported.
Ten cars were also trapped in California 62 but were quickly rescued despite the two parallel flashfloods. All have been accounted for. Authorities also reported some flooding in Mentone, Crestline, and Fortana.
The strong rain and thunderstorms are over now and it should be less humid this Monday. The event may be unfortunate for those in Southern California but the government and volunteers were quick to respond that it's actually impressive. Only one casualty and a few people have been injured is an encouraging information amidst the bad news.
Watches and flash flood warnings were issued in the region last Sunday. Areas included were the Los Angeles County and Riverside County mountains, San Bernardino County, Coachella and Antelope valleys, and eastern San Gabriel Mountains.
Resources of the county are being maximized right now because of the storm.
"Every rescue unit we have, every fire engine we have in San Bernardino County. We are literally approaching the maximum right now in terms of our call volume," Fire Capt. Josh Wilkins said.
