Malibu Canyon Road Will Be Closed Before This Weekend's Storm Hits

MALIBU, CA — After recent storms have led to mudslides in the Malibu area, officials plan to shut down Malibu Canyon Road this weekend ahead of a rainstorm that's entering the region.

Malibu Canyon Road will be closed between Piuma Road and Pacific Coast Highway starting at 7 p.m. Friday. It's expected to reopen by Monday at 6 a.m., according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.

Officials say the closure will allow crews to monitor any changes in the ground or slope stability during a storm set to hit this weekend.

"This precautionary closure in advance of the weekend storm will allow the department’s engineers to monitor the condition of slopes along the busy highway to protect the public against future rock fall and potential mudslides," reads a city statement.

Light showers are expected to hit Los Angeles County as early as Friday afternoon, with precipitation growing steadier overnight. The bulk of this storm's rain is expected to hit on Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.

In total, half an inch to an inch of rain is expected along the coasts and valleys of Los Angeles County, with 1 to 3 inches expected in the foothills and mountains, the NWS said.

This weekend's closure of Malibu Canyon Road comes after a mudslide earlier this month forced the closure of the road for five days as crews worked to clear a huge pile of mud and rocks and ensure the area was safe for traffic.